Betsy Stockwell Smith

Betsy Stockwell Smith entered Heaven to be with the Lord on March 28, 2017. She was born to the late Harlan L. Stockwell, Sr.and Bessie Mae Stowers Stockwell on March 30, 1931 in Tampa, Florida. She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Carl Wayne Smith. She was a graduate of Lee High School, class of 1948. She attended Florida State University and graduated from the University of North Florida in 1974 with a Bachelor of Arts in Education. Since Betsy was a child, she enjoyed visiting with family and friends Indian Rocks Beach and Madeira Beach on the west coast of Florida. She enjoyed sitting and watching the water roll onto the beach which gave her comfort and solace. She also traveled extensively in the Unites States as well as abroad with family and friends and on educational tours. Betsy joined Beta Sigma Phi in November 1949 at the age of 18, earning the highest degree of Torchbearer. As a member for almost 68 years, she received the Order of the Rose, Silver Circle, Golden Circle, and Diamond Circle. She held many offices in each chapter she was a member, holding the office of President for nine times. She was a dedicated member and visited other chapters nationwide during her travels. As a service to her Torchbearer Epsilon Chapter, she would send Christmas cards to other Beta Sigma Phi members who were shut-ins around the country, including some as far away as Australia. May the Lord watch between me, and thee while are absent from the other. Betsy was a member of the Garden Club of Orange Park Whippoorwill Circle for 54 years and was a past President of the circle. She loved her bluebirds and butterflies and served as Birds and Butterflies Chairman for the Whippoorwill Circle keeping the members informed of all the birds arriving in the area and how to care for them. She also was a member of other various clubs in Jacksonville throughout her life. One of her passions was quilting and sewing. She visited quilt shops from New Hampshire to California to get ideas and fabrics for her new projects. Betsy is survived by her daughter, Laura Smith (St. Augustine), son, Michael Smith (Jacksonville), brother Harlan Stockwell, Jr. (Christine) Jacksonville and numerous nieces and nephews. The family wishes to extend a grateful appreciation to her sister in-law, Josephine Chavez, for her emotional support of the family during the last year. Also to family caregivers, Connie Greene (niece) and Richard McClellan (nephew). A special thanks to her nurse, Erica Laney of Community Hospice, for her guidance and support. There will be a Celebration Service and reception at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer (7500 Southside Blvd. on the service road near Butler Blvd.) on April 29, 2017 at 4:00. Reception to follow in the parish hall. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to be made to the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer or to Northeast Florida Community Hospice.