Rebecca Jean (Becky) Wilkerson Haney, daughter of Charles “Buster” and Irene Smith Wilkerson, was born on March 9, 1948, in Myrtle, Missouri.
She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Jack Haney of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas; two daughters Dawn Haney Purdom and husband, Joe, of Yellville, Arkansas, and Morgan Haney and partner, Blaire Devine, of Eureka Springs, Arkansas; three grandchildren Haydn, Ella and Trenton Purdom all of Yellville, Arkansas, and one sister Suzanne Callahan and husband, Jack, of Jonesboro, Arkansas. She also leaves to mourn her passing several nieces and nephews and extended family members.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles “Buster” and Irene Wilkerson; her sister, Jo Katherine (JoKay) Smith; and her brother, Charles Michael (Mike) Wilkerson.
Mrs. Haney was a graduate of Couch High School. Becky loved music, even singing on the radio as a child. Leaving Myrtle for MSU in Springfield in 1966, Becky joined Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority and pursued a degree in music. Becky chose to marry Jack on August 15, 1969, and though Mrs. Haney didn’t ever finish her degree, she taught music education for several years.
Becky held several jobs throughout her married life, but according to her, the most rewarding and most important jobs were being a support and help-mate to Jack during his coaching career, a mom to her girls, and nana to her grands. She spent countless hours in a gymnasium watching basketball, claiming she could officiate as well as the paid officials.
Once her grands were old enough to play sports, Becky attended as many baseball, basketball, and football games as Jack would drive her to.
Mrs. Haney loved flowers, trees and bushes of all kinds. She took pride in the flowers and plants in her yard. Becky was especially fond of the beautiful foliage in autumn and the smell of the ocean.
A life-long Democrat, Mrs. Haney supported and campaigned for numerous candidates whom she believed fought for education, the working class, and the future of our children. Becky was an active member and past district president of the Twenty-first Century Club in Mammoth Spring, held a regional and state office for the GFWC of Arkansas and had served as a member on the Fulton County Library Board.
Though she attended The First Baptist Church in Myrtle, Missouri, during the first half of her life, she spent the past 34 years serving and playing the piano as a member of the First United Methodist Church in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas.
Becky will be fondly remembered for her feisty spirit, her willingness to serve her community, and her unconditional love for her family.
A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, March 22, 2019 at 2:00 PM at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri with Pastor Jaimie Alexander officiating.
Family will receive friends on Thursday, March 21, 2019 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer.
Interment will be held at Riverside Cemetery in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas with arrangements under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer, Missouri.