Elizabeth (Betty) Ann Smith
With great sadness, the family of Elizabeth A. “Betty” Smith announces her passing. She died peacefully at her home on Oct. 1, 2025, with her best friend and caregiver, Jessica Belfiore, by her side.
Betty was born July 21, 1928, in Dayton, Ohio, to Herbert W. and Grace B. Smith. She graduated from Fairview White High School in 1946, where she received the American Legion Award for Citizenship, was a member of the National Honor Society, served as secretary of her senior class and was elected May Queen.
She attended Lincoln Memorial University, where she met the love of her life, Paul Smith. The couple had their first date on Nov. 1, 1946, married on Jan. 28, 1948, and graduated together from the Cincinnati College of Pharmacy in 1950 with bachelor of science degrees in pharmacy.
They shared more than 70 years of marriage before Paul’s death on Nov. 1, 2018 — the 72nd anniversary of their first date.
After graduation, Betty and Paul moved to Clinton in 1950, where they raised their two children and became the last original residents of Highland Drive in the Oak Heights subdivision — Clinton’s first subdivision.
A longtime member of First Baptist Church of Clinton, Betty served faithfully in the preschool department for many years. She received the Home Federal Bank Hometown Hero Award for her service at the Christian Service Center, and volunteered at the Interfaith Health Clinic.
She was also a member of Timely Topics and a devoted Girl Scout leader, earning the Thanks Award in 1969 and the Thanks II Award in 1996 for her work with the Daisy’s Place Museum.
Betty was among the first female pharmacists in the Clinton area. She began her career at Norris Drug Store, later worked at Elm Grove Drug Store in Oak Ridge, and retired after 21 years at Clinton Drug Co., where she worked alongside her husband.
An avid outdoorswoman, Betty made 17 trips to Mt. LeConte and held a second-degree black belt in Isshin-Ryu karate. She enjoyed cooking — especially her famous banana bread, which she loved sharing with friends — and working crossword puzzles.
She is survived by my children and sister Shirley Haefele of Rochester, New York, many wonderful friends and cousins and neighbors, Carisa and Jason, Cloyds, Jack Jones, and best friend and caregiver Jessica. Jessica and Betty were each other’s sidekicks, going everywhere together and sharing a profound relationship. Many people thought Jessica was the daughter; Betty, her mom. They never corrected anyone about this, just acted as if it were true.
In addition to her husband and parents, Betty was preceded in death by many dear friends who enriched her life.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, at Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton. A funeral will follow at 7 p.m., conducted by the Rev. Terry Baker and Dr. Daniel Chisholm. Music will be provided by the Rev. David Whipple Jr., accompanied by Charlotte Bounds.
Interment following cremation will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, at Grandview Memorial Garden in Clinton. Those who wish to join the funeral procession should gather at Holley Gamble Funeral Home beginning at 2:15 p.m. The procession will depart promptly at 2:30 p.m. Dr. Daniel Chisholm will lead a devotional and prayer prior to interment.
Favorite quote:
“All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful, the Lord God made them all.”
— Anglican hymn, circa 1848
Favorite Bible verse:
“With God all things are possible.”
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to:
First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 268, Clinton, TN 37717; Interfaith Health Clinic, 315 Gill Ave., Knoxville, TN 37917; Girl Scout Museum at Daisy’s Place, GSCSA, 1567 Downtown West Blvd., Knoxville, TN 37919; or to a charity of your choice.
Holley Gamble Funeral Home is honored to serve the Smith family.
holleygamble.com