Betty Jo Smith
December 22, 1926 - March 23, 2022
Obituary
IN LOVING MEMORY OF BETTY JO SMITH
December 22, 1926 – March 23, 2022
Bobbie Betty Jo Bickham (Betty) was born in Franklinton, Louisiana on December 22, 1926 to the union of Tennis & Bertha Bickham. She accepted Christ at an early age at Bethel Holiness Church in Franklinton. She graduated from Washington Parish High School and moved to Seattle with her sister Myrtis Scott. Betty united in Holy Matrimony to Deacon Homer M. Smith in 1946, by Rev. Fountain W. Penick. They joined Peoples Institutional Baptist Church and were faithful members.
Betty was employed by the Boeing Company for 32 years as a Lead Electrician, working on many important projects. She loved her church and enjoyed working on the Calendar Tea, serving on the Deaconess Board, Women’s Ministry and Usher Ministry. In 1998, she became a dedicated member of the Order of the Eastern Stars, Queen of Sheba Chapter 12. Betty served as Grand Queen, Grand Ruth and Past Worthy Matron.
Betty was a proud home owner and resident of Seattle’s Central District since 1947. She supported her black community. Betty had her favorite spot to watch the parades! In her pastime, she loved working in her garden, growing collard greens and beautiful flowers. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and loved cooking Louisiana meals for family and friends. She enjoyed baking German Chocolate Cakes and Peach Cobblers.
On March 23, 2022, Betty extended her hands and answered God’s call. She peacefully transitioned to Heaven in the comforts of her home after a long, beautiful life. She was 95 years old.
Betty leaves to celebrate her memories, her two daughters Yolanda Geyen Berry (Gregory) and Jacqueline Smith Armstrong (Boysie); three grandchildren DeChell Hampton (Reginald); Benjamin Geyen, Michael Daniels, Jr. and six great grandchildren Quinton Hampton, Noah Benjamin Geyen, Tyme Royal Jones-Geyen, Benjamin Lee Geyen Jr., Jasmina Lynn Daniels and Quincy Daniels. She was blessed to have a host of nieces and nephews in Seattle, Louisiana & Rhode Island that loved their Aunt Betty dearly. She also cherished beautiful relationships with many ladies that fondly called her “Mama Betty”. She was preceded in death by her husband and was the last of six siblings in her family.
Below is the link to the ZOOM broadcast of Betty Jo’s Funeral Service.
Topic: Sis. Betty Smith Homegoing Service
Time: Apr 1, 2022 11:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
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https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4667866840
Meeting ID: 466 786 6840
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I want to let you know you’re in my prayers. We were so looking forward to her 100 birthday celebration, but God wanted her to be with her Mom, Dad, Brothers and Sisters. I will always remember her and the radiant example of finer Womanhood that she exhibited to all she came into contact with. May God’s arms hold you close, just as they have for Aunt Betty. May God continue to Bless you always.
Cousin,
Virginia Bickham Jefferson & Family
My sincere condolences and may GOD grant you peace in knowing Cousin Betty is home with her mom, dad and siblings.
Love,
Cousin Andrea Bickham Wells
Sending love, thoughts, and prayers.I hope your happy memories will help you through this difficult time, knowing that she is resting in God’s arms.
Cousin,
LaRhonda Jefferson
My thought and prayers are with you and your family on this day.
Jackie and Yolanda, Great service, I started to have memories of when she would come to visit her old homestead in Franklinton. She would tell her mom (Bertha) and my mom her older sister (Natalie) stories about Seattle. The pastor was on point when talking about Louisiana. Our prayers are with you.
Love and prayers for you.
Don & Herbert