Betty Jean Smith

Betty was born in Houston on March 18, 1936. She was the daughter of Otis W. and Ida Balzer Warnke. She was raised in the Heights area and attended Stevenson Elementary, Washington Junior High, and Reagan High School.

She met Sonny at the Bill Mraz Ballroom, they married in 1954, and began their life and family together. Betty attended Bethel Lutheran Church, St. Teresa Catholic Church, and All Saints Catholic Church. Betty was employed by the San Jacinto Girl Scout Counsel for more than 20 years. She was always prepared! Betty loved her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, her pets, family, and friends. Betty loved traveling, her Sea Breeze house, movies, dancing, gardening, eating at Doyle’s, and riding her bicycle.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her daughter Susan Kay Cernosek, daughter in law Elizabeth Widacki Smith, sister Mary Wolff, Aunt Ella Mae Swisher, her beloved poodle J.R. and her beautiful cat Dolly. Survivors are her son Terry Lee Smith (Michelle), son in law Wilbert Cernosek, grandchildren Christie Smith, Melissa Dobson (Neil), Jennifer Ward (Billy), Allen Cernosek, Tammy Smith, and Daniel Smith. She is also survived by her great grandchildren Monique Cram (Zac), Victoria Galindo, Joey Garza, Lucas Ridgway Cernosek, Emma Ward, Charlie Ward, Henry Dobson, and great, great grandchildren Ellie, Marc, and Paxton Cram. Betty also leaves behind many god children, nephews, and nieces including Debbie Maxey, and Little Betty whom she dearly loved.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 28th from 5 - 7pm followed by a rosary at Heights Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, July 30th at All Saints Catholic Church at 1pm followed by interment at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery.

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