It is with loving remembrance, we announce the passing of Mrs. Betty Smith, 83, of Lamont, Florida, who departed this earthly life on Saturday, May 30, 2026. 

In Remembrance of Our Beloved

Mrs. Betty P. Smith

The journey of life for Betty Smith began on February 4, 1943, in Cordele, Crisp County, Georgia. She was born to Mr. Marcus Leon Perry and Maddie Bryant.

Mrs. Betty graduated from Dunbar High School in Fort Myers, Florida. Most of her employment was in the caregiver field. She retired from Gulf Coast Center Mental Health, Buckingham, Florida.

In her free time, Betty relaxed by reading romance novels, sewing handmade quilts, and watching her shows like Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, and the evening news. She thoroughly enjoyed hosting parties and cooking forthose she loved and cherished. Her love languages were Acts of Service and Gift Giving; which went well with her love of shopping, all but ensuring she always had a gift or beautifully written card on deck to brighten up someone’s day. She truly was ready to help anyone with almost anything.

Betty had a way with words. She could compliment, chastise, encourage, and get you together, all in a single sentence. How you took it was how you took it and she said what she said.

Betty was a fashionista, always stepping out clean and fresh. She believed that if you looked good, you would then feel good. A sentiment she passed on to her children and grandchildren. “You better have that baby shining like a new penny and dressed to impress,” if there was a function to go to.

Betty welcomed the first of her four children, Theresa, in 1960 and her last, Darvis, in 1964.

In 1976, she was promoted from Mama or Ma to Grandma or as she was lovingly known as “Gumma”.

On December 16, 2000, Betty married the love of her life, Mr. Willie Lee Smith. “Mr. Willie” or Grandpa proceeded Gumma in death on February 7, 2026. One hundred and twelve days later, on May 30, 2026, surrounded by her loving and devoted family, she was once again reunited with him as her journey came to an peaceful end.

Cherished memories are left to her children, Theresa Howard (Darnell) of Lehigh Acres, FL, Greta Smith (Earrol) of Hinesville, GA, Ethel Sturgis (Roosevelt-deceased) of Fort Myers, FL, and Darvis Thomas (Cynthia) of Fort Myers, FL; her grandchildren, Cicley Thomas of Killeen, TX, Dondi McCrea (Lisa) of Oakland Park, Marcus Dale (Nicole) of Tampa, FL, Adarius Dale, Twyla Dale, Nadia Thomas (Gary), Sabrina Sturgis, Eugene Upshaw, Devonte Williams (Ruth), Donte Thomas of Fort Myers, Earrol Smith II of Hinesville, GA, Lakesha Smith of Tucker, GA, and her family by choice Dennis Bellamy (Felicia), Gerald Larry Jr. of Lamont, FL, a multitude of Great grands and Great-great grands, a slew of other relatives and many sorrowing friends. Betty was preceded in death by her brother, Leon Walker of Cordele, GA and grandchildren, Brandon McCrea and Stephanie Thomas. 

It is our esteemed honor to have been entrusted with the care of Mrs. Smith and to serve the Smith family.