A Celebration of Life

Betty D. Smith

December 6, 1927 – January 18, 2024

Ma. Mama. Mom. Granny. Grandma. Friend. Confidante. Encourager. Ray of sunshine.

December 6, 1927, Betty was born in Akron, OH. As a young child she and her four siblings moved with her mother (Isabel Kupple Davis) to Chattanooga, TN. After her mother's death she returned with her siblings to Akron to live with her father (Elbert Davis) and stepmother. Betty is the last of the Davis children.

In 1946, Betty married Coley Smith (Deceased. 2019) and remained faithful in marriage. Betty and Coley had five children, four grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, and several great, great grandchildren. She is deeply loved and celebrated by her five children: LaCresia Ann Smith (Thomas) Gaines, Coley Smith Jr., Karl Durwin Smith (Deceased. 2020), Coletta (Raymond "Skipper" (Deceased 2021.)) Turneur, and Carol Denise Smith (David)Sparkman; four grandchildren: ElSimone Clark, Durwin Laneer Barkley Sr., Lesslie Nicole "Niki" Harris, Isaiah Caleb Sparkman and (Joshua David (Diana) Sparkman); great grandchildren: Michael (Myissa) Clark, Alexis Clark, Makaylah Clark, and Maliyah Clark, Tierra Harris, Michael Spragling, Malaysia Barkley, Durwin Barkley Jr., Staciana Barkley, Daveon Harris; and several great, great grandchildren. Betty demonstrated great love for all her children.

After her retirement from the City of Akron in 1991, she enjoyed the benefit of spending more time with her family and friends. Betty's passions in life were her children and being an excellent homemaker. Making people feel comfortable and welcome in her home, great conversations, lots of laughter, baking, cooking, sewing, knitting, and crocheting, reading, listening to music, going to concerts, eating at nice restaurants, sunny days, and solving puzzles were Mom's favorite things. She taught herself to play piano and enjoyed home improvement projects. Everything that Mama put her hand to was done with brilliance. She was gifted with a profound abundance of love, sweetness, care, encouragement, and wisdom that she chose to share generously. All her wonderful qualities including her laughter, warm hugs, comforting (and admonishing) words will continue to live in each of us. Betty has a heart of gold and will be tremendously missed by all who had the unparalleled privilege of knowing her.

Repast Details:

January 29, 2024

2pm – 6 pm

LaPlace Events

1850 Buchholzer Blvd. Akron, OH 44310

Cards can be sent to:

The Smith Family

1636 Claudia Avenue Akron, OH 44307

In lieu of flowers please send donations in Betty's memory to:

YEPAW

5827 Riviera Drive Fairlawn, OH 44333