Elizabeth (Betty) Lee Smith's Obituary
Elizabeth “Betty” Lee Smith was born on November 1, 1934 and passed away March 20, 2023 in Memphis. Visitation and funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 25, at 10:00 am, at Collierville First Baptist Church. The family has entrusted her arrangement to Memorial Park Funeral Home, 5668 Poplar Avenue, Memphis Tennessee 39119. She is survived by her husband of nearly 68 years, Dr. Omar E. Smith, Jr., their 3 children, Omar E. Smith III and his wife Janice, Forrest Christopher Smith and his wife Tami, and Catherine Leigh McCoy and her husband Mark. She also leaves 3 grandchildren, Lindsey, Nathan and his wife Kimberly, and Halle and 3 great grandchildren, Audrey, Grace, and Trey. She is also survived by 1 brother, Donald Wayne Sharp and proceeding her in death, her brothers, Harmon Thomas Sharp and Albert Charles Sharp and her sister, Mabel Margaret Osborne.
She attended Messick High School and Methodist Nursing School. Betty was a devoted, active member of Collierville First Baptist Church. She served multiple time as president of the Kings Daughters and Sons Home, Friends of the Needy Circle, for over 20 years. A huge Memphis Tiger fan and wife of a University of Memphis professor, Betty served as the president of the Faculty Wives. Over the years, she enjoyed participating as a Memphis in May BBQ judge with her husband.
Everything she did for her community, family, and friends reflected her love of Christ. She loved to cook for her family and friends, taking a drive in the countryside and spending quiet time with the Lord reading her bible. Her Community Bible study was one of her most cherished times with teaching His word and learning more of how she could serve others. Her pride and joy were being a devoted, loving wife to her husband Omar and mother to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Memorial Park Funeral Home will be accepting flower arrangements for Saturday’s visitation and service. Memorials can be sent to Kings Daughters and Sons Home, 3568 Appling Road, Bartlett, Tennessee, 38113, in honor of the Friends of the Needy Circle.
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