Betty Jean Doss
Betty Jean Doss was a caring mother, daughter, sister, and friend. She was dedicated to the ideals of family and hard work. Betty offered the best of her time and commitment to serving her family and church. She was born on Jan. 21, 1938, to the late Frank Jr. and Lizzie T. Smith in Courtland, Alabama. She transitioned peacefully on Friday morning, March 28, 2025, surrounded by love.
Betty spent her early years growing up in Alabama, where she was very fond of her grandmother, Momma Annie. As the Smith family grew, Betty would naturally take on the responsibility of helping to care for her seven younger siblings. Over the years, she cherished the long-lasting relationship maintained with her best friend/first cousin, the late Stella Swinney.
While Betty was quite a socialite, she was also known for her often-sharp wit and direct communication. From childhood to death, Betty was a member of the Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. As one of the church's oldest members, she faithfully served on the Nursing Guild until her health failed.
Betty was a 1957 graduate of Howard High School. As a licensed cosmetologist, Betty took great pride in making sure her friends and especially her family’s hair “Looked Good”. She also enjoyed cooking, especially her homemade caramel cake.
She retired from Erlanger Hospital after 30+ years and shortly after began working as a foster grandparent at Cedar Hill.
Betty was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, worker, and friend.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred Doss; son, Gregory Wayne Smith; great granddaughter, Zyanna Harris; parents, Lizzie (Mama T) and Frank Smith, Jr.; sisters, Bertha Mae Gipson, Shirley Ann White; brothers, Lee Andrew, Andrew James Smith and Leon “Bates” Smith.
She leaves to cherish her precious memories and beautiful life: her son, Fred Doss, Jr., sisters, Alice Faye (Richard) Williams, Delores (Robert) Lewis, and Vickie Smith; brother, Eric S. Smith, all of Chattanooga; sister-In-Law, Delores Smith of Charleston, SC; daughter-in-law, Rose "Pinky" Smith; grandchildren, Fred (LaTasha) Holland, Natasha (Travis) Eberhardt, and Gregory Wayne Smith, Jr.; great grandchildren, DeShay, Deshawn, Laziruis, Taliya, Qi’Ara, Fred Holland,
Jr., Va’Niya, Qi’Annah, and Donyell; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends who truly loved Ms. Betty.
Public viewing will be from 2-6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8, in the chapel of John P Franklin Funeral Home.
A celebration of Betty’s life will be held on Wednesday, April 9, at 11 a.m. at the Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 914 Park Ave. Interment will follow at Forest Hills Cemetery.
Arrangements are by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodge Ave., Chattanooga, 423. 622-9995.