Betty L. Young

Betty Lou Young, affectionately known to many as Edith, was born on February 9, 1951, in Prescott to Leonard Hayes and Irene Young. On Monday, May 4, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family at Baptist Health Medical Center, Betty peacefully transitioned from this earthly life into eternal rest.

Betty Lou was an outgoing and spirited woman who accepted Christ at an early age and united with Munns Chapel Baptist Church. Her quiet strength would become the foundation upon which she built her life and family.

Betty cherished family gatherings and treasured every opportunity to spend time creating lasting memories with those she loved. She was a devoted and hardworking mother who sacrificed endlessly to ensure her children had everything they needed. Her love for her family was unwavering, and her nurturing spirit was evident in all that she did.

Alongside her longtime companion, Burnette Muldrow, Betty co-owned the well-known B&B Barbecue Restaurant located in downtown Prescott. The restaurant became a beloved staple within the community, welcoming guests from across the region who came to enjoy their famous barbecue and warm hospitality. When Burnette’s health began to decline, the couple made the difficult decision to close the restaurant so Betty could lovingly care for him until his passing, a true testament to her compassion and devotion.

Betty was a woman of few words, but whenever she spoke, her words carried wisdom, meaning, and impact. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures—fishing, cooking delicious meals, taking exciting trips to the casino, and proudly sharing stories of her winnings. She also enjoyed playing a good hand of tonk and spades while surrounded by family and friends whose company she deeply treasured.

As her health began to decline over the years, Betty demonstrated grace, resilience, and courage. She left a blueprint for others on how to endure sickness while continuing to love and be loved.

She was preceded in death by her father, Leonard Hayes; her son, Ardell Whitt, Jr., her longtime companion, Burnette Muldrow; her granddaughter, Kaylee Hall; her brothers, Randolph Vanhook, Wilbert Hayes, and Harold Hayes; and her sister, Lisa Hayes.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories: her loving mother, Irene Young of Prescott; her five children, Rhonda Young, Devonna (Rodney) Witherspoon, Tawana Hall, Eric Hall, and Candi Purifoy all of Prescott, AR; 13 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Nancy Boyd of Little Rock, AR and Phyllis Washington of Prescott, AR; three brothers, Richard Hayes of Little Rock, AR, Kenneth Vanhook of California, and Carl Hayes of Dallas, TX; and a special daughter in love, Niesha Scott of Prescott, AR

She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, many friends, and acquaintances who will forever cherish the love, laughter, and memories she shared throughout her life.