Bettye Smartt
By the time the three first cousins named Elizabeth were old enough walk, the families decided three Elizabeths were too confusing. So Elizabeth Haynes Brown became known to all as Bettye.
Bettye Brown Smartt, 95, of Hixson was born Jan. 16, 1924, in El Dorado, Ar. On Aug. 26, she departed quietly in her sleep surrounded by loving family.
Raised on the family farm in Salem, Tn., she attended Murfreesboro Central High graduating as both valedictorian and homecoming queen. Bettye enrolled at M.T.S.C (now MTSU) where she fell in love with her brother’s athletic roommate, the late Maury E. Smartt. After marriage, they moved to Chattanooga, Tn. Bettye served her community as church secretary at Red Bank Presbyterian Church for 18 years, taught as a substitute for Hamilton County Schools, and more recently, was a member of White Oak United Methodist Church.
Delightful, witty, and intelligently in charge of every situation, Bettye served her family, friends, and faith with spirited good cheer, artfully keeping events moving and everybody smiling. Her love, care-taking, and sincere service for the community and the so many that she has helped, will be deeply, deeply missed. Bettye Smartt put cheerful love in the world and the world cheerfully loved her back.
She is survived by devoted daughters, Suzanne Smartt and Maureen Hall; grandchildren Robert Tyler Hall (Liz) and Kathryn Hall Buszka (Adam); three great-grandchildren Robert Aaron Hall, Harper Elizabeth Hall, and Avery Haynes Buszka; and many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends at Chattanooga Funeral Home, North Chapel, 5401 Hwy 153, Hixson, Tennessee, from 2-4 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 30. Bettye's service begins at 4 p.m. in the chapel.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the many friends and caregivers who brought loving care -- Sue Corder, Marie Huey, Sandy Massey, Marissa Vecchio, and Sherie Miljanick.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the charity of your choice or to The Alzheimer’s Association, 7625 Hamilton Park Drive, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421.
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.