Betty Smith Kelley

Betty Greene Smith Kelley, 95 of Winder, passed away Saturday, October 19, 2024. She was born on November 2, 1928 in Bethlehem, and lived in Carrolton, Buford, Marietta, Athens and Winder, Georgia during her lifetime. Betty was a 1945 graduate of Winder High School, attained an Associate’s Degree at West Georgia College in 1948 and a BS Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Georgia in 1949.

She was an avid UGA fan, attending football games for many years and then cheering on the Dawgs with her pompoms in front of the TV in later years. She collected Bulldog memorabilia and even has a Christmas tree decorated in their honor.

Betty began her career as a third and fourth grade teacher at Buford Elementary School. She taught at Bethlehem Elementary, the University of Georgia’s Demonstration School, East Valley Elementary in Marietta, Alps Road Elementary in Athens, Chestnut Mountain Elementary in Hall County and finished her career at Winder Elementary where she was Teacher of the Year in 1977 and again in 1986. She had a great love for children and was a wonderful role model for young teachers in her building.

Betty was a founding member of the Beta Zeta Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa, an honorary educational sorority, where she held several leadership positions. She was a member of Georgia Retired Educators Association.

She was a lifetime member of Bethlehem First United Methodist Church where she once sang in the choir sharing her beautiful alto voice. She loved playing the piano and accompanied the children with sing-a-longs, especially at Christmas family gatherings. Amazingly, she could both read music and play by ear. Her music as a gift she shared generously bringing joy and warmth to those around her.

Betty’s life was marked by her love and service for others- her family, friends, students and colleagues. She had a heart full of kindness, always ready to lend a hand or a listening ear.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, David Branham Kelley; son, David Kelley; daughter, Kathy Carder; her parents, Oscar and Mary Lee Smith; and siblings, Winston Smith and Drusilla Malcom.

Betty is survived by grandchildren: Allison McKay (Brian), Kelley Carder, Jim Kelley (Charlene); great-grandchildren: Audrey, Carder and Johnny McKay, JD and Rhylee Kelley, and Kyan Rhodes; son-in-law, Allen Carder; special friend, Julie Huffman; siblings: Jane Odum and Bobby Smith, and a host of nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 12:00 -2:00 pm in the Narthex of Bethlehem First United Methodist Church on Thursday, October 24, 2024.

Funeral service will be at 2:00 pm on Thursday, October 24, 2024 in the sanctuary of Bethlehem First United Methodist Church with Rev. Frank Bernat officiating. Interment will follow at Bethlehem First Methodist Church Cemetery.