Betty Lee (Williams) Smith of Vero Beach, Florida, was drafted by God on May 28, 2023, at a very young 83 years of age. Born in Columbus, Ohio, on July 23, 1939, she had a long, successful career as a daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, friend, and child of God.

Her parents Edward Lawrence Williams and Mildred Cora (Starner) Williams, siblings Edward (and his wife Ann) Williams, and Donna Williams, nephew Greg Blass, and great-niece Amy (Phelps) Hatcher were called up before her.

Before her elevation to the “pros,” Betty was a longtime property/community manager for RAF Properties in Toledo and a resident of Perrysburg, Ohio, as well as an ardent sports fan and avid Euchre champion. She unofficially holds the all-time family record for most wins in tournament and non-tournament play. In addition, she enjoyed cheering for The Ohio State University Buckeyes and optimistically following the Cleveland Browns each fall.

She enjoyed entertaining; if one walked into her home as an acquaintance, they most certainly left as a friend. Good food and fellowship was always on the menu. Apple and pumpkin pies were her specialties. On the stereo would be an eclectic mix of Maynard Ferguson, the Four Freshman, Chicago, Pointer Sisters, Alan Jackson, Stevie Wonder — and year-round Christmas carols. Music was always important to her, and along with sports was the bond that cemented her family.

She leaves behind her teammate of more than 64 years, Thomas G. Smith along with their children Scott T. (Lorrie) Smith and Kristie L. (Greg Anderson) Smith. She loved playing with her grandsons, Zachery Stein, Carson Smith, and Walker Smith when they were young, and watching them grow into men.

Though a two-year age difference, Betty and her sister Lila (Williams) Mastrianni, were practically twins as young ladies and have grown even closer since Betty and Tom moved to Vero Beach in 2015. Nephews Mark Zulovitz, DC, Doug (Tanya) Stagakis, nieces Susan (Norm) Phelps and Patricia Hinson, Ellen (Don) Millard, Denise (Arnie) Olcese, Ruth Litterall, along with great nieces and nephews—will dearly miss their fun, loving, and beautiful “Aunt Betty.”

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to VNA & Hospice Foundation/Hospice House 920 37th Place, Vero Beach, FL 32960 or https://vnatc.org/waystogive/