Betty was born, Betty Jean Sparks on September 19, 1933 in Memphis, Tennessee. She was the daughter of Robert M. Sparks and Verna Obion McGonagill.
Betty graduated from Humes High School in Memphis, Tennessee in 1951. In High School, Betty was an honorary member of ROTC as well as a member of the high school band with musician Elvis Presley. During their relationship in ROTC Elvis nicknamed Betty, “Swival Hips” because of the way Betty marched in front of him. Years later…… Elvis met Betty at the gates of Graceland to give her a personal grand tour.
After high school Betty graduated from a secretarial course and received a Secretary Certificate. Betty worked as a secretary at Edward Hines a printing company in Peoria, Illinois. Richard worked there as a Lithographer that is the story on how Betty and Richard met!
In 1968 Betty and Richard moved to New Jersey and got married, as Richard was hired at a better position in New York.
Upon retirement, Betty and Richard moved to Florida and made their home in Flagler Beach, Florida. Betty’s favorite past times together with Richard was sailing from New Jersey to Boston on their sailboat. Betty also enjoyed Recreation Vehicle Camping throughout the United States with Richard.
Betty will be remembered for her love of travel, music, dancing and her beautiful smile. She is survived by her husband, Richard Donald Schmied; son, Mike (Carol) Dewitt; step-daughters, Ada (Kerry) Vink, Cathy Schmied, Barbara (Jack) Shaddy and many loving grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins and wonderful friends.
In lieu of flowers donations in her memory may be made to the Dementia Society Of America. A funeral service will be celebrated on Sunday, May 24, 2020 at 2:00PM at the chapel of Craig-Flagler Palms Funeral Home, 511 Old Kings Rd. S. Flagler Beach, FL. 32136. Friends may visit on Sunday from 1:00PM until time of the service.
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