Betty Jo Smith

Betty Jo Barrum Smith, was welcomed to her heavenly home by her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on February 3, 2024. She was born in Newton, Texas on August 14, 1932, but came to Houston as a baby where she lived the rest of her days. Newton always held a special place in her heart as it was full of memorable moments with her many cousins as she spent time there every summer growing up.

She was preceded to her eternal home by the love of her earthly life Buddy (John S.) Smith. They shared life together for 55 years, and it's easy to imagine them having a celebratory dance as they are reunited. Other loved ones that passed before her were her Parents, Thelma and Joe Barrum; Mother-in-Law and Father-in-Law, Mary Louise and Sidney Stephen Smith; Sister and Brother-in-Law, Billie Jean and Bob Brown; Sister-in-law and Brother-in-law, Doris and Robert Hawkins; and Sister-in-law, Ann Smith.

She is survived by her daughter, Vicki Smith Bland, and her sons Scott Bland, (wife Wanda and her son Riley) and Shaun Bland (wife Mikiko and children Silas and Skylar). She is survived by her son Stephen A. Smith, and his children, Stephanie (husband Will and children Madison, Eliza, Micah and Elliot) and Grant Smith (wife Deanna and children Charley and Jackson) Along with her 2 children, 4 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren, nephews Mike Brown (wife Marilyn, sons Cheed and Ben) and Mark Brown (wife Cheryl) in addition to other relatives and special friends like Bunky and Janice Ward and their sons are treasuring memories of her.

Her journey on earth after graduating from Milby High School included many experiences such as becoming one of the first female officers at Industrial state Bank, working and retiring from Tenneco Oil Co., and being one of the founders of Newfield while working as Personal Assistant to Joe Foster. However, our mother would say that the most important thing to her was her love and belief in her Lord and Savior, Jesus, and her family just as her favorite Bible verse stated "So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love." (1 Corinthians 13:13). She attended Faith Memorial Baptist Church as a child and as an adult served as a Sunday School teacher, Secretary, and choir member of Port Street Baptist.

We were blessed to have been part of her life and will greatly miss her smiles and daily presence.

A visitation for Betty will be held Friday, February 9, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Brookside Funeral Home, 13747 Eastex Freeway, Houston, Texas 77039. A graveside service will occur Friday, February 9, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Brookside Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 13747 Eastex Fwy, Houston, Texas 77039. A reception will occur Friday, February 9, 2024 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, 13747 Eastex Freeway, Houston, Texas 77039.

(In lieu of flowers the family requests a donation to Alzheimer's Association.)