Bettye Jane Smith

Bettye J. Montgomery Smith Bettye was born September 26, 1942 in Newport News, Virginia to Percell and Mary Marie Montgomery. She was raised in Newport News, Virginia along with her two sisters, June and Cheryl, and her early formative years of education were provided in the Newport News Public School System. Bettye also spent her early years singing with her sisters in a group formed by her mother called, The Montgomery Sisters Trio. The Montgomery Sisters Trio began singing in the church and soon became well-known in the Tidewater area, singing for many different occasions. Bettye remained with the group until she graduated from Huntington High School, class of 1960. After graduating, Bettye was accepted into Virginia State College (University), located in Petersburg, VA. Later, she transferred to Norfolk State University where she majored in fine arts and design and sang with the Norfolk State College Sextet musical group. She was also a member of the Norfolk State Players theatre group. After graduating from Norfolk State in (1967), Bettye worked at her alma mater for a short while before moving to Baltimore, MD where she began her married life with Morris L. Smith, Sr. She continued her education by receiving her Master’s Degree from Coppin State University in 1976 and later earned 30 plus hours to receive her Certificate of Advanced Studies from Johns Hopkins University in 1990. After working as a counselor, Bettye decided to become a teacher. She was hired as a special education teacher with the Baltimore County Public School System and retired from Patapsco High School special education department. Bettye was a proficient, respected, and dedicated educator. She engaged her students by creating a classroom environment where all students were seen and supported to succeed. She led multicultural commissions and implemented school climate initiatives to lift up black men and boys who struggled in the education system. Bettye actively participated in teacher recruitment, often representing school systems that recruited new teachers, and she then served as a mentor to these teachers using her exceptional teaching skills. She supported continuous improvement of curriculum, with particular focus on the needs of student with learning differences. Bettye was always interested in the newest technologies. In her work, she invested in herself by attending numerous workshops, professional development conferences and brought that learning back to her school to transform school administration and shape curriculum by incorporating new technology. Despite her full teaching schedule, Bettye found time to work part-time as a legal assistant to the Baltimore County Public Defenders’ Office. Bettye was a caring, loving, and compassionate woman, wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend. She loved to dance and sing. Bettye enjoyed all genres of music—blues, contemporary and smooth jazz, easy listening, and R&B—especially when she had the opportunity to sing along with the music she had playing. Bettye enjoyed attending music concerts. She loved to travel—from the Caribbean to Europe and Mexico. She also loved cruising, wherever the ocean liner was headed. Bettye’s dream was to travel to Paris, France, and she made this dream a reality—a dream she shared with her son. Bettye loved and enjoyed life to the fullest. You’re beautiful, you’re endless, Now stretch your wings and fly, You’re loved by so many. It will never be goodbye. ~Verse taken from Angel Anonymous Bettye is survived by her son, Ian M. Smith (Ann); her sister, Dr. June M. Montgomery; two nephews, Eddie R. Webb, Jr. and Michael T. Brown; two nieces, Stephanie M. White (Joseph) and Allyson Gilbert Johnson; one brother-in-law, Ronald K. Gilbert; five great nieces, and three great-nephews. Bettye is predeceased by her father, Percell Montgomery (1994), mother, Mary Marie Montgomery (2004), husband, Morris L Smith, Sr. (2023) and sister, Cheryl M. Gilbert (2023). A memorial celebration of life for Bettye will be held Friday, October 20, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Woodlawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens, 6329 E. Virginia Beach Blvd, Norfolk, Virginia 23502. A reception will occur, 6329 E. Virginia Beach Blvd, Norfolk, Virginia 23502. A burial will occur at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens, 6309 E. Virginia Beach Blvd, Norfolk, Virginia 23502. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.woodlawnnorfolk.com for the Smith family.