Betty Louise Sojka

Betty Ames Sojka, age 68, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 30, 2016 at Willis Knighton hospital surrounded by her family and close friends after a prolonged illness with dementia. Betty was born May 3, 1948 in Hope, Arkansas to the late John W. and Marjorie Ames. By the age of fourteen, she was a talented pianist and organist and played in church every Sunday. She played at various churches in Shreveport including Southside Baptist Church where she served for over 25 years, Morningside Baptist Church where she served for 10 years, and Brookwood Baptist Church where she served for over 20 years. She is survived by her beloved husband of 50 years, Charles (Mel) Sojka; children, Cassandra Wages (Tim), Charles Sojka (Sabrina Lovell), Robert Sojka (Liz), and Kristina Chadwick (Chris); 12 grandchildren; Halie Sojka, Leslie Free, Alex Smith, Chase Sojka, Ryan Sojka, Peyton Bass, John Sojka, Walker Chadwick, Clayton Sojka, Audrey Wages, Wyatt Chadwick, and Whitley Chadwick; one great-grandchild; Klayten Porterfield; three sisters; Vivian Shirley (Charles), Mary Jane Vance (Glen), and Billie Richmond (David); her mother; Majorie Ames; and many nieces and nephews. Betty was preceded in death by her father, John W. Ames, and her sister, Linda Gillespie. Betty will be remembered for her kindness and her ability to touch lives through her music. She is now playing in the ultimate choir procession with her Lord and Savior. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 3, 2016 at 1:00pm at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home. Burial will follow. The family will greet friends from 5:00-7:00pm on Wednesday, November 2, 2016.

Honoring Betty as pallbearers will be Charles Sojka, Robert Sojka, Chris Chadwick, Walker Chadwick, Alex Smith, Tim Wages, Steve Sojka, Charles Shirley, Glen Vance and Jimmy Gillespie.