Elizabeth H. Smith

She was born in Mineola, New York, daughter of the late Andrew Burt Hegeman and Ruth Velsor Hegeman. Betsy was preceded in death by her husband of 41 years Lloyd Willits Smith. She is survived by her son Warren Willits Smith, daughter Lisa Velsor Goode, and extended family.

Betsy grew up on a farm on Long Island and had many stories about her life during that time. Anyone who knows Betsy knows that she loved animals. She was a skilled horseback rider. She took care of most of the family pets and kept bringing home puppies with larger and larger paws.

She earned a Bachelor of Arts from Adelphi University in 1964 and a Master of Education from Temple University in 1969. Early in her career she was a middle school health and physical education teacher, coaching basketball and gymnastics and refereeing field hockey. She later became a registered hypnotherapist and certified counselor and had a private mental health therapy practice. In Charlotte, she served on boards for the Raintree Homeowners Association and Village of Raintree.

Betsy played badminton in college and had a wicked backhand overhead slam. Later in life, tennis became her sport of choice and she spent many years taking lessons, playing matches and tournaments, and making good friends in the Charlotte area.

She was a dedicated daughter, wife, and mother, regularly visiting and making sure her mother Ruth was being well cared for at Pennswood Village, caring for her husband Lloyd during his battle with brain cancer, and making sure her children Warren and Lisa had opportunities, room to grow, and as much support as they needed.

A gathering to celebrate Betsy’s life will be held at 2 pm, Sunday, November 19th, 2023 at McEwen Funeral Service – Pineville Chapel, 10500 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28210. She will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at Westbury Friends Cemetery in Westbury, New York.

For those wishing to send memorial gifts, please consider Meals on Wheels America, Pets for the Elderly, or a charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com for the Smith family.