Beverly Diane Drummond Atchison Betts, born on April 11, 1950, died on August 17, 2023.

Diane was the firstborn of Lloyd and Onie Drummond. She was an exceptionally inquisitive child whose favorite question was "Why?" — which explains her lifelong journey to explore, learn and enjoy anything and everything she could. Diane was a staunch believer in keeping her word and she always gave back more than she took from any situation. Daughter, mother, wife, boss, friend: Diane was the one you needed when things were tough — and the one you wanted to celebrate all the fun things in life with.

They broke the mold with this one.

Diane was a member of the Fairview High School class of 1968. She earned an associate degree from Southern Arkansas University Tech, a bachelor's degree from Southern Arkansas University Magnolia, a master's degree from Henderson State University, and her doctorate from the University of Phoenix.

Diane began her long career at Southern Arkansas University Tech in 1981 as the executive secretary to the chancellor. By her retirement, in 2016, Dr. Diane Betts was the Vice Chancellor for Planning, Accountability and Development.  Diane worked in an academic environment.

A world traveler who enjoyed exotic foods and European cars: Diane loved her Arkansas the most. She was a member and past state president of the groundbreaking organization Arkansas Business and Professional Women. In Camden, she chaired its popular BPW Barn Sale arts and crafts for 30 years — she was a fixture at each one, racing about, clipboard in hand, solving funny little emergencies and greeting every guest with her famously charming smile.

Diane was a tirelessly giving and passionate person. Her other civic achievements and positions include past president of the Arkansas Intuitional Research Organization; past president of the ABPW organization; graduate of Leadership Arkansas and Leadership Camden Area; past member of the Arkansas South Tourism Association board, serving as treasurer; member of the Arkansas Festivals & Events Association board; and member of the Keep Camden Beautiful Committee. Diane was the past president of the Rotary Club of Camden and was currently its treasurer. She was also a recipient of the John Stinson Outstanding Woman of the Year award for civic service as well as a former Arkansas employee of the year.

Diane Atchison Day in Camden, every October 3rd, was declared in 1987.

Diane was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd Paul Drummond and Texonie (Onie) Rebecca Knight Robertson Drummond, and her brother, Gibbie Knight Drummond. She is survived by her husband George Phillip Betts, her son Charles David Atchison and two sisters, Linda Robertson Bohannon and Patsy Rebecca Drummond, all of Camden, Arkansas. She had two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers for her service are Gerald Manning, Jim Boyette, Dr. Reginald Cooper, David Reynolds, Jim Golden, Dr. Erik Hendrickson, Mike Jackson and Charlie Williams.

Funeral service will be 2:00PM Sunday, August 20, 2023 at Fairview United Methodist Church with burial in Memorial Park Cemetery.  Visitation will be 6:00PM to 8:00PM Saturday at the Proctor Funeral Home.