Grand Island, New York - Betty J. Smith passed away peacefully on September 7, 2025, after a prolonged illness. She was surrounded by her loved ones and, spiritually, by the many people she has touched during her extraordinary journey.

Betty was a shining light in any setting with a captivating inner and outer beauty. Her infectious smile, signature grace, and elegance will never be forgotten. She also maintained an unlimited capacity to help people. Betty was a woman of unyielding faith who passionately loved and protected her family. Her dedication and devotion to the Love of her life, husband Leon of 60 years, was always present. Perhaps the most important role(s) she embraced was that of "Mom" and "Nana", as she has left an indelible imprint on her children and grandchildren. She has similarly impacted lifelong friends and fostered many meaningful relationships though her membership and advocacy of numerous social organizations.

Betty was born July 6,1946 in Brantley, Alabama to Myrtle Smith and Dewey Smith.

At an early age she moved to Cleveland. While in Cleveland, she refined her love of dancing and Motown music. Some of her greatest memories in Cleveland were of "wearing out shoes" while dancing all hours with friends. Betty subsequently moved to Western New York where she met Leon in 1963, and the roots were established for a fulfilling life.

Betty was extremely social by nature. She cherished the time with the "friends group" consisting of her lifelong friends who met periodically for dinner. One of the highlights of the group included a memorable boat cruise through Europe. In terms of social organizations, Betty was a proud member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority (AKA's), and she truly bled pink & green. Her memories of the many conferences and kinship she shared with her Soror's is priceless. She took great pride as a planner for the annual debutante ball and additionally sponsoring young ladies as debutantes. Betty was also an active member of the Erie County Links, and Zonta International. One of her greatest enjoyments was her church, and she was a faithful member of the New Hope Baptist Church. Betty was also very active in the life of her children serving as a room mother at Huth Road Elementary School, Grand Island.

Placing a high value on education and a staunch work ethic were hallmarks of Betty. She graduated from Niagara Community College with an associate's degree, later to return and serve on the Foundation Board for her alma mater. She is also a graduate of Buffalo State College with a bachelor's degree in business administration.

She made many lifelong friends and associates through her varied career journey. For five years, she served as a nurse at the Veterans Hospital of Buffalo. Betty also worked in Social Services for the Niagara Community Action Program (NIACAP). In her role with this organization, she worked with unemployed individuals to assist in providing them the necessary tools to find jobs.

Most of her career was in financial services including banking, real estate, and insurance. In banking she worked for M&T Bank as a Retail Banking Officer, where she made many meaningful contacts. Her longest career tenure was insurance as an agent with Allstate. She was one of the first African American woman agents in Niagara Falls to manage her own office located at the Summit Park Mall. She inspired both of her sons to follow in her footsteps, each with their own careers in financial services. She retired in 2000 to care for her mother and assist with her beautiful granddaughters.

Betty leaves to cherish her memory her beloved husband, Dr. Leon Smith; sons, Mark D. Smith (Joy Guarino) and M. Douglas Smith (Danielle); cherished granddaughters, Melody Elisabeth Smith and Gabrielle Alexandra Smith; Sister Elizabeth "Liz" Sealey (Perry); Brothers, Dewey Smith Jr (Candrece) and Derek Smith (Latanya); dearest friends, Juanita Banks (Elisha) and Beatrice Perkins (Cecil); She is also beloved by a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her mother, Myrtle Cauley Smith; father, Dewey Smith; sisters, Annie Ellison, Murlene Smith, and Tanya Oakley.

Betty J. Smith was truly an extraordinary woman.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 13th at New Hope Baptist Church located at 1122 Buffalo Avenue, Niagara Falls NY, 14303. Visitation from 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM followed by Life services promptly at 1:00 PM.