Betty Jane Smith, 80, died Sunday, Aug. 25, 2013 with her family gathered around her. A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday in Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens. Father Stan Burdock of the Anglican Church of the Good Shepherd will officiate.
Janie, as she was called, was born on April 5, 1933 in San Angelo to J.B. and Edith Hunt. She spent her early years in the Vancourt community, where her family ran a country general store. She attended San Angelo College and worked in a bank until she married Bernell "Doc" Smith on Dec. 20, 1952.
Janie enjoyed being a stay-at-home mom when her three sons were young. She always was there for them whether they needed a Band-Aid or a hug. When her boys were out of school she began work at Angelo State University, where she helped grow the West Texas Collection, which was then in its infancy.
Janie enjoyed genealogy and drove countless miles through West Texas searching cemeteries and library archives for information on long-lost relatives. She also enjoyed reading and collecting western books and teaching schoolchildren about West Texas history as a Fort Concho volunteer.
Janie had a joyful singing voice and often sang church hymns as well as popular old tunes like "Oh My Darling Clementine."
When she and Doc retired they traveled throughout the Southwest, first camping in a small pop-up camper and, later, in a luxurious travel trailer. Janie lost her mobility in later years, but she still enjoyed watching birds from their back porch and entertaining sons, daughters-in-law and her grandchildren.
Janie was preceded in death by her parents. Survivors include her husband of 61 years, Bernell "Doc" Smith; brother, Buddy Tom Hunt of San Angelo; sons, Rick Smith and wife June Hubbell Smith of San Angelo; Gary Smith and wife Amanda Smith of Corpus Christi; Michael Smith and wife Laura Vavrina Smith of San Angelo; and granddaughters Anne Smith of Denver, Colo. and Kate Smith of San Angelo.
Friends and family are welcome to sign an online registry book at johnsons-funeralhome.com.
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