Betty Mae Baker McAlister, age 88, of Phil Campbell, passed away on Monday, April 13, 2026, at Russellville Hospital. She was born on Thursday, April 15, 1937, and Tuesday of this week, April 14, 2026, was her 70th wedding anniversary.
Betty loved being a housewife which was evident in the way that she kept her home, always clean and organized. She had a gift of having a green thumb and loved working in her flowers. She loved watching her hummingbirds, calling them her babies and making them their sugar water. She enjoyed her trips to the mountains and the beach, loved fishing in her younger days, and was always up for a vanilla milkshake. She loved her family very much and will be missed by all who knew her.
She leaves to cherish her memories, her husband of 70 years, Olen McAlister; daughter, Annette McAlister; special nephew, more like a grandson that she helped to raise Andrew McAlister; brother, Bobby Baker (wife, Faye); brother-in-law, Cecil James; several other nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends that she loved very much
She was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Rebecca K. McAlister; father, Rufus Baker; mother, Eula Hallman Baker; sister Janet Baker James; and brother J.C. Baker.
The visitation will be 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Spry Memorial Chapel. The funeral will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Carolyn Baker and Justin Baker officiating the service. The burial will be at in the adjoining cemetery at Blue Springs Cemetery on County Road 75.
The pallbearers will be Hudean Wilson, Tony McAlister, Greg Wilson, Doug Hallman, Gaylon Baker, and Floyd Baker. The honorary pallbearers will be Ralton Baker, Van Baker, and Jimmy Hill.