Bettye Genene Bridges Smith passed away on Sept. 7, 2021 at St. Francis Hospital in Bartlett, into the arms of our Lord at the age of 87. She was born Nov. 28,1933 in Parkin, Cross County, Arkansas. She is preceded in death by her husband, Edmon Teddy Ray “T.R.” Smith, of sixty years.
She is survived by her two sons, Michael Ray Smith (Frances), Philip Barton Smith (Victoria), & one daughter, Audrey Ellen Fielding (Chuck Melton). She was also preceded in death by her parents William Bart “Buddy” Bridges and Ellen Smith Bridges.
She had seven siblings and is preceded in death by Opal Duncan, Wylidean Wynne, Georgia Nelson, William “Sonny” Bridges, & Carey Blue Bridges, and is survived by her two sisters Helen Marotti and Mary Katherine Gresham. She was also preceded in death by her daughter in law, Debbie Smith.
Bettye was loved by her eleven grandchildren: Christina Barnes (Dustin), Shannon Silberman (Jack), Melissa Smith Ogilvie (Tyler), Jenna Mednikow (Sean), Catherine Livesay, Marcus Livesay (Cady), Leah Martin (Franklin), Hannah Fielding, William Brandon Fielding (Laura), Andrew Smith, & Drake Smith (Kayla).
She is also survived by nine great grandchildren: Charlie, Smith & Sullivan Silberman, Annabelle & Claire Barnes, Aiden Ogilvie, Oakley Beau Smith, Blair Livesay, & Baby Fielding on the way.
Bettye was a proud graduate of Crawfordsville High School, Arkansas in 1952. She lived a full life being involved in church and singing in the choir. Bettye enjoyed gardening and writing personal notes. She also loved to share her passion of cooking with family and friends. Bettye was a member of Forest Hill Baptist Church. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
Services will be held on Saturday September 11, 2021 at Forest Hill Baptist Church (3645 Forest Hill Irene Road, Germantown, TN 38138), with a visitation at 1:00 pm and a service immediately following at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Forest Hill Baptist Church.
Online condolences and directions may be found through www.memphisfuneralpoplar.com
