Bettye Jo Smith

Bettye Jo Smith was born on June 19, 1940 to Louie C. Veasley and Edna Weatherly Veasley in Kosciusko, Mississippi. She completed high school in Kosciusko and in 1961, moved to the North to find better opportunities and to reside with her sister, Velma. In 1963, Bettye married Louis Smith, and from thatunion came Ricky and Brakki. Their marriage dissolved, but she soon began her career as a daycare provider and was able to independently support her family.

Soon after, Bettye met John Thomas. They eventually married and had three more sons, Marlon, Bryant and Curtis. A sixth son Jonathan died at the age of four month. Bettye and John divorced and she one again became the sole provider for her children. She worked two jobs, sometimes three to support them, and in her spare time worked tirelessly raising five boys.

After residing in Chicago, Bettye moved her family to Evanston where she lived for the remainder of her life. On March 10, 1987, Bettye became a member of New Hope Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. The church was a top priority in Bettye's life where New Hope and its members lifted her spirits each Sunday. She did not stop there: Bettye also joined the Missionary Board in 1987, was appointed to the Stewardess Board in 1988, where she had served as president fro 1995-2012. Bettye invested in the church and community where she helped others and made regular visits to those who were hospitalized or home bond. Every preacher at New Hope spoke highly of her and her selfless service to other.

Bettye was the strong and humble matriarch of the Smith family and she was honored, dignified, and treated with the upmost respect. She leaves behind a great legacy of love, kindness, and beautiful memories to her family. CHILDREN: Ricky (June), Brakki, Marlon(Emily), Bryant (Vernell), and Curtis (Suzanne) Smith. GRANDCHILDREN: Veronica (Yesenia), Shannon, RJ, Joseph, Zabrasha, Kia, Zahlihah, Marlon Jr., Jinae, Jonathan, Grgory, Tricia (Tony), Giovanni, Jevin, Jamar, Kareen and 11 great grandchildren. Also, a host of nieces, nephews and friends, her adopted family, Renee and Penny Staffney and children,and close friend, Ann Moses Goff. Her only surviving sibling: Velma Coleman Betthe was proceded in death by her parents, husbands, son-Jonathan, granddaughter-Breanna, brother- Alvin Veasley, and sisters- Edna Chinn and Sara Jean Chinn.

Arrangements entrusted to Thompson Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. Mr. Philip L. Gillette~ Funeral Director

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