Elizabeth (Betty) Jane Leith

Elizabeth (Betty) Jane Leith passed away peacefully on Monday, March 9, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on December 10, 1931, in Mt. Vernon, New York, to Arthur Vincent Harris and Helen Elizabeth Hills, Betty lived a full and vibrant life. After attending college, she moved to Los Angeles where she met and married Howard Kent Brown, and became mother to her son, Charles (Charlie) H. Brown. She later moved to New Smyrna Beach, Florida, where she met and married Frank Butler. In the late 1960s, Betty and Frank purchased a country store and Mobil gas station in St. Joe, Arkansas, which she operated until Frank’s passing in 1976. She then moved with Charlie to Little Rock, Arkansas, and returned to bookkeeping.

In 1978, Betty married Martin Louis (Lou) Leith Jr. Together they worked, traveled the country, and shared more than 30 years of marriage. They lived in Hot Springs and later Newark, Arkansas, until Lou’s passing in 2008. Betty moved back to Hot Springs in 2016 to be near Charlie and her daughter-in-law, Deborah Brown. She cherished her annual holiday trips to Branson, Missouri, with Charlie, Deborah, Roy, Ruth, and her three great-grandchildren to see the Christmas show at The Dixie Stampede, where she saved every flag and mug. A devoted dog lover, she especially adored the Sheltie breed, with her beloved Titus by her side at the end.

Betty lived her life as a Presbyterian, was a gifted artist, and found joy in crocheting. She embraced life fully and with great warmth. She is survived by her son, Charlie Brown, and daughter-in-law, Deborah Brown; grandson, Mark Brown (Kristina); granddaughter, Victoria Graika (Michael); and great-grandchildren, Ashlyn Brown, Kolton Rogers, and Kaylee Rogers; nieces Susan (Daniel) Gottheimer and Karen Goodwin; stepchildren Amy (John Ross) Leith Landman, Dan (Jean) Leith, and Linda Leith; and adopted brother-in-law Roy D. Lewis. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Richard and Walter Harris, and husbands Frank Butler and Martin (Lou) Leith Jr.