Betty Jo Henderson Smith
Betty Jo Henderson Smith died peacefully surrounded by her family at Park West Hospital in Knoxville, Tennessee, on April 2, 2025.
She was born in Chattanooga, on June 8, 1927, to the late Ellis and Anna Bogart Henderson. She was the great great-granddaughter of Jane Cozby Henderson, one of the 53 first citizens of Chattanooga. She attended Chattanooga High School, Mary Baldwin College and graduated from the University of Chattanooga with a B.A. in art. She was a member of the Chi Omega sorority.
Betty Jo married David B. Smith, and after his retirement, they traveled the world, often accompanied by friends. An avid watercolorist, she captured memories of each trip with a painting. Betty Jo was dedicated to her family and friends, had a deep love for chocolate, and served as a spiritual mentor to many, always praying without ceasing.
She was a member of Northside Presbyterian Church for many years and later joined First Centenary United Methodist where she was active in the United Methodist Women (serving as president), the Morgan Class and the Prayer Ministry. She was also a member of North Chattanooga Book Club, Association of Visual Artists and Hunter Museum of Art. She worked in the CONTACT Telephone Ministry for many years and was a member of Chattanooga-Lafayette Emmaus Community.
Betty Jo was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Dave.
She is survived by her daughter Joy (Don) Stokes, grandchildren, Virginia (Jordan) Knight and Marshall Stokes, great-granddaughter Hollis, of Knoxville, niece, Tonyia Johnston of Ringgold, Robert (Clara) O’Kelley, who is like a son, their children and grandchildren, of Rossville, and cousins, Lisa, Jocelyn and Rosa Smith of Signal Mountain.
Funeral services will be conducted from the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 12, with Rev. Michelle Hunter officiating. Interment will follow in Chattanooga Memorial Park. Betty Jo’s receiving of friends will be held at the Chattanooga Funeral Home North Chapel on Friday from 5-7 p.m..
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that all honorariums be made to the First-Centenary United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 208, Chattanooga, Tn. 37401.
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