Bertha Dean Cripps

Bertha Dean Knight Cripps, born June 17, 1944 to Marion Lee and Bertha Mae Knight, of Fort Smith. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Virgil Knight, sister Louise Schalski, Vernon Knight, a twin brother Roy Gene Knight whom passed at birth, a great grandchild Skyler Gardner. She is survived by 9 children, 16 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and 2 amazing great-great grandchildren. Her children Brian Finn of Florida, Darren Cripps of Fort Smith, Patricia Cripps Green of Pocola OK, Jeffrey Cripps of Fort Smith, Marlenia Cripps Woodruff of Van Buren, Jennifer Cripps of Fort Smith, Mariah Cripps Garrett of Fort Worth, TX, Jeffrey Thompson of Fort Smith, and Damon Cripps of Fort Smith. Her sister, Connie Knight Studie of Fort Smith. Brother and wife, Eddie and Helen Knight of Fort Smith. Her grandchildren Meggan Charles, Whitney Palafox, Cohen Davis, Colton Naples, Garrett Naples, Joshua Cripps, Krista Cripps, Jeremy Cripps, and Kyle Thompson. Her great-grandchildren Guillermo Palafox A.K.A. Dakarai Knight, Alejandra Palafox, Julianna Garcia, Bethani Martinez, Amare Harris, Alijah Jefferson, Aniyah Jefferson, Makaela Davis, Caden Davis, Charli Naples, Abigail Naples, Noah Guy Naples, Ashlyn Cripps, Liam Cripps, Jackson Gardner, Gunner Gardner, and Layla Cripps. Her amazing great-great grandchildren, Ms. Kay'Lani Harris, and Mr. Eziquel Garcia Vasquez. And tons of extra close family friends, who she considered as her own. She worked in home health care for 25+ years, and also helped her niece Marlyn run the Family Cleaners and Laundry, and also spent time being a nanny for several families. She had a love and passion for stock cars, and went on to sponsor several cars alongside her late husband Jim Thompson. Her favorite thing was butterflies. And she always had to have her Judge Judy on. Sundays were always wester days unless NASCAR was in season. She was a collector of many many things, and she loved her some thrifting. going out for late night ice cream runs was on the best perks. But she was always one for a yard sale on the weekends. She attended Apostolic Faith Church in Van Buren. she was the most caring, kind hearted, loving, and selfless person you'd be blessed to have known. She loved all the generations of children, that she created, but her Sweeta boy was her life, and anyone can tell you that!

WE LOVE YOU BUTTERBEAN.

A.K.A. OUR BEAUTIFUL BUTTERFLY.

Viewing and Visitation will be Tuesday, July 11, 2023, from 5 – 7 PM at Edwards Funeral Home.

Funeral Service will be 10 AM Wednesday in Edwards Funeral Home Chapel, with cremation to follow.

Online condolences may be sent to: www.edwardsfuneralhome.com