Mary Ann Flippin

Mary Ann Bettis Flippin passed from this life to Heaven October 23, 2022, at the age of 86 in Searcy, Arkansas, surrounded by her family. Mary Ann was born August 8, 1936, in Williford, Arkansas. She graduated from Williford High School in 1954. She went to Harding College in 1955 where she met her husband, Howard Flippin. She then transferred to Arkansas State College in Jonesboro, Arkansas, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree in 1959. Her first job was teaching fifth grade at Kensett Elementary school in Kensett, Arkansas. Mary Ann married Dr. Howard Flippin on June 7, 1959. They raised a son, Dane and two daughters, Karen, and Patricia. She became a Cub Scout leader, Girl Scout Leader, and worked hard at raising her family. She was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother and loved her family with all her heart. She also loved education and received her Master of Education degree from Harding College in 1975. She and her husband were owners of the Suntan Shop tanning salon from 1985-1990, where she worked and managed the business every day. She also worked for the Arkansas State Board of Optometry as a secretary for many years assisting her husband in his responsibilities as the Executive Director. She continued learning new things throughout her life and graduated from Searcy Beauty College as a licensed cosmetologist in 2008 and was awarded a lifetime cosmetologist certificate in 2020. Her husband Howard was the love of her life, and they were inseparable for 63 years. They enjoyed traveling, vacationing in Branson, Missouri and spending time attending their grandchildren’s activities. She made many treasured memories of good food and family times at their home in Searcy, and at their vacation home in Branson. She was a believer in Christ her entire life and shared her faith with those who knew her. They were members of the Foothills Church of Christ in Searcy. She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Dr. Howard F. Flippin, her parents, Robert Lewis Bettis and Grace Noth Bettis; brother Robert L. Bettis, Jr.; sister-in-law Nelda Jean Bettis; son-in-law Brent Thomas; and grandson Carter Flippin. She is survived by two daughters, Karen Flippin Thomas of Overland Park, Kansas, and Dr. Patricia Flippin Cunningham (Aaron) of Searcy; a son, Dr. Dane Howard Flippin (Karen) of Jonesboro, Arkansas; grandchildren Dane Westfall, Ryan Westfall, Lainey Cunningham, Mallory Flippin, Emma Flippin, Zachary Thomas, and Kayleigh Thomas; nephew Robbie Bettis and niece Freda Arnhart. A visitation will be held Thursday, October 27, 2022, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at Valley Baptist Church, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. and graveside service to follow.

Mary Ann Flippin

August 8, 1936 - October 23, 2022