Betty Smith

Born on March 30, 1935, in Ransom, Kentucky, Betty Smith, age 90, passed away peacefully on December 27, 2025. She was raised in the Appalachian Mountains, where her humble beginnings helped shape a life marked by resilience, generosity, and deep-rooted faith. From an early age, her trust in God guided her steps, and that faith remained a steady presence throughout her entire life.

Betty was one of ten siblings, growing up with a strong sense of family, hard work, and community. She carried those values into adulthood, building a life centered on love, service, and devotion. Betty worked for 20 years at General Electric, demonstrating a remarkable work ethic while always keeping her family as her highest priority. As the preacher’s wife, she faithfully supported her husband, Elder Bob Smith, serving alongside him with grace, humility, and unwavering belief. Betty was a devoted and faithful member of Bethel Primitive Baptist Church, where her love for God and her church family was clearly evident.

Known for her caring heart, Betty poured herself into the lives of those she loved. She was especially famous for her pound cakes, which she joyfully shared often with family and friends. She also found great joy in sewing baby dolls for her grandchildren, gifts that reflected both her creativity and tenderness.

In 1967, after residing in Sanford, Florida, Betty moved to Lake Butler, Florida, where she and Bob built a loving home filled with laughter, faith, and hospitality. Betty and Bob shared 57 wonderful years of marriage and cherished traveling together, including a memorable 30-day road trip across the western United States.

Betty was a devoted Mother to her daughters, Debi (Terry) Dukes, Lisa (Don) Vintilla, and Keri (Jeff) Rimes, and to her son, Rob (Ranae) Smith. She was lovingly known as “Nana” to her grandchildren: Mark Dukes, Kryshelle (Joshua) Cothran, Derek (Felicia) Dukes, Kassie (Paul) Harris, DJ Vintilla, Alex (Brooke) Vintilla, Caroline (Cpt P-Colby) Andrews, Madison Rimes, and Veronica (Cole) Bruss. She was also blessed with great-grandchildren Caleb Cothran, Victoria Cothran, Aaron Cothran, Liam Dukes, Marley Dukes, Sarah Jean Harris, and Anderson K. Vintilla, each of whom brought her immense pride and joy.

Betty is remembered for her loving spirit, servant’s heart, and steadfast faith that guided her throughout her life. She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Susan Caroline Keesee; her beloved husband, Elder Bob Smith; her son, Richard Davey Smith; her great-granddaughters, Ashley and Kendall Dukes; and all nine of her siblings. The love she shared, the faith she lived by, and the memories she created will continue to be a lasting testament to her remarkable life. Though she will be deeply missed, her presence and influence will never be forgotten.

A service honoring Betty will be held at 3:00 PM on Friday, January 2, 2026, at Archer-Milton Funeral Home. Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation beginning at 2:00 PM. Bro. Kyle Lloyd and Bro. Alan Sapp will officiate the ceremony. Following the service, Betty will be laid to rest at Elzey Chapel Cemetery, with Bro. Carl "Buddy" Harris presiding over the graveside. Serving as pallbearers will be Betty’s beloved grandsons.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Haven Hospice Lake City - havenhospice.com/donate.

Archer-Milton Funeral Home is honored to serve Betty's family during this time. 386-496-2008 www.archerfuneralhome.com