Betty Jean Smith

Betty Jean Smith, age 91, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away Saturday, September 11, 2021, at the Jefferson City Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Betty was born on May 1, 1930, in Leachville, Arkansas, the daughter of Claude A. and Roxie Ann (Herndon) Norman. Growing up on the family farm, Betty learned to have a strong work ethic, often picking cotton for extra spending money. She was married on May 6, 1947, in Rector, Arkansas to Clyde W. Smith. She knew him from growing up next to his family's farm and they became a couple after he returned from his service to our country. They were blessed with 64 years of marriage until Clyde preceded her in death on August 9, 2011. She and Clyde moved to Jefferson City in 1958, and she began working at the Bebop Caf alongside some of her family members. She later worked at Mattingly's Department Store and as the Head Teller at Capitol Savings and Loan. She retired to be the caregiver to her mother in her later years. Betty was an active member of Fairgrounds Road Church of Christ. She was a devout Christian and spent many Sunday's teaching children's classes. Many of their congregation will remember "Grandma Betty" for the goody bags that she handed out on Sundays. Betty enjoyed ceramics, sewing, and traveling with her brothers and sisters. Some of her fondest memories were cooking for her family gatherings. Her family will miss her smile. Survivors include: her son, James R. Smith (Patty) of Claremore, Oklahoma; her daughter, Janet R. Wyrick (Ray) of Jefferson City, Mo.; four grandchildren, James C. Smith (Chelsie), Cam N. Isbell (Robert), Dane Wyrick (Renee Casteel) and Emilee G. O'Berry (Alexander); seven great-grandchildren, Dillon Smith (Kristen), Reagan Smith, Hannah Marie Zinn (Andrew), Halee Chandler (Samuel), Bob Isbell, Finn Wyrick and Kallee O'Berry; one sister, Faye Swartz (Carl) of Highspire, Pa.; and many nieces and nephews. Betty was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Clyde; her siblings, Raymond Norman, J.C. Norman, Stella Stoddard, Thelma Seay, Beneda Pearson, Louise Smith, Glen Norman, Claude "Jr." Norman and Maizie Jones. Visitation will be held at Fairgrounds Road Church of Christ from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 2, 2021. A memorial service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 2, 2021, at the Fairgrounds Road Church of Christ with Brent Newton officiating. A webcast of the service will begin at 11:00 a.m. that can be viewed by going to her memorial page through the funeral home website. Private graveside services and interment will be held at Woodland Heights Cemetery in Rector, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Fair Haven Children's Home at 3132 North Fair Haven Loop, Strafford, Mo. 65757; Children's Homes Inc. at 5515 Walcott Road, Paragould, Arkansas 72450; or the New Mexico Christian Children's Home, 1356 NM-236, Portales, NM 88130. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com