BETTY JO SMITH
BETTY JO SMITH
Betty Jo Smith, age 80 of Luray, MO passed away Sunday, January 19, 2020 in the Scotland County Hospital in Memphis, MO.
Betty Jo was born June 2, 1939 in the family home south of Kahoka, the daughter of Royal and Elsie St. Clair Webster.
She graduated from Kahoka High School in 1957 where she played saxophone in the band.
On June 15, 1958, she was united in marriage to Robert E. Smith at the First Baptist Church in Kahoka. They would have celebrated 62 years of marriage this coming June.
Survivors include her husband, Robert of Luray; two daughters, Denise Brown and Diana (Mike) Barnes, all of Luray; six grandchildren: Michelle (David) Hess of Kahoka, Jason (Bambi) Brown of Kahoka, Nicholas (Katie) Hooper of Wyaconda, Justin Brown of Luray, Heather (Chauncey) Wilson of Kahoka and Nessa (Keith) Smith of Wyaconda; nineteen great-grandchildren: Drenda, Dereck, Delana and Drake Hess, Karah, Klayden, and Kacen Brown, Damian, Harliann and Davynna Hooper, Luke and Macie Brown, Brennan Fuller, Brytin, Brea and Brylyn Wilson, and Marissa, Malerie and Malayna Smith; brother and sisters-in-law: Howard (Carolyn) Nelson of Exeter, MO, Patricia Smith of Aurora, MO and Sandra Moore of Rodgers, AR; cousins who were raised as siblings: Neva and Jerry Eads of Carthage, IL, Dean and Susanne Webster of Kahoka and Rovene and Karl Hamner of Kahoka; extended family, Paul and Ruth Brotherton of Kahoka and their family, Dena, Isaac, Jason, Carla and Devin; as well as other relatives.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her in-laws, Edwin and Edna Mae Benda Smith; a brother in infancy, James Delbert Webster; a brother-in-law, Ronald Smith; and two very special friends, Beverly Krouse and Suzie Hopp.
As a teen Betty Jo worked at Gregory Variety Store and the Kahoka Drive-in Theatre. She would later work for the University of Missouri Extension Office She retired in 2000 following 28 years as a case worker for the Division of Family Services.
She was very involved in the community, the county and in church activities. She was a faithful member of Luray Baptist Church and served as pianist, Sunday School Teacher, VBS Director, and as jack of all trades.
Betty Jo loved to read, watch Hallmark Movies, collecting angels, traveling to Branson, as well as her pygmy “kids”.
More than anything, Betty Jo was a huge supporter of her grand and great grandchildren’s activities, rarely missing any programs or ballgames they were involved in. She had traveled with the Clark Co R-1 Band to California, Hawaii, Indianapolis, and to New York twice. Spending time with and taking care of her family was her greatest enjoyment.
Funeral services were held Friday, January 24, 2020 at 11 a.m. at Wilson Funeral Home in Kahoka with Pastor Mike Wilson officiating. Special music was “My Angel” sung by Heather Wilson, “How Great Thou Art” and “I Don’t Know Who Holds Tomorrow” sung by Heather Wilson, Michelle Hess, and Nessa Smith, “Sissy’s Song” by Alan Jackson and “The Milkshake Song”.
Honorary Pallbearers were Michelle Hess, Bambi Brown, Heather Wilson, Nessa Smith and all the Great Grandchildren.
Pallbearers were Jason Brown, Nicholas Hooper, Justin Brown, David Hess, Keith Smith, Mike Barnes and Chauncey Wilson.
Burial followed in the Combs Cemetery at Luray.
Memorials are suggested to the Luray Baptist Church.
On-line condolences may be expressed at www.wilsonfuneralservice.com.
