Elizabeth H. Haverty Smith

Laid bare

Love, to live, must give

Itself away

Betty Smith 1975

Elizabeth "Betty" Haverty Smith died September 14, 2014 at the age of 90. Betty is lovingly remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and philanthropist. She was admired for her beauty, creativity and spirituality. Her open mind, loving spirit and understated wit inspired those around her. Born in Atlanta on April 4, 1924, she was the daughter of the former Elizabeth Rawson and Clarence Haverty and the granddaughter of J.J. Haverty, founder of Haverty Furniture Co. Betty attended E. Rivers and graduated from North Fulton High School and Sweet Briar College. During World War II, she worked as a nurse's aide at Saint Joseph's Hospital in Atlanta. In 1946, after a whirlwind courtship, she married the love of her life. Alexander Wyly Smith III had recently returned from service in World War II and was beginning a career in law. They settled in Atlanta and raised a family of eight children. In 1955, she and Alex overcame the tragedy of losing their eldest son, Alex IV, at age 5. They were married for 62 years until her husband's death in 2008. For many years, she attended daily Mass at the Cathedral of Christ the King. With her husband, Betty co-chaired the Cathedral of Christ the King's 50th anniversary campaign. She was honorary chair of the parish's 75th Anniversary campaign in 2012. She co-founded the Alex and Betty Smith Foundation. With Alex, she shared the St. Peter Chanel Award for lifetime commitment from Marist School where her sons and a granddaughter graduated. She was an emeritus member of the Mimosa Garden Club. During Summer and Fall she loved spending time at Tate Mountain. Painting and the piano were a special love. She also authored three books: her memoir, a biography of her mother and a book of poetry. Betty will always be remembered for her smile, compassion, courage and grace, especially during her final months when she was surrounded by her devoted friends and extended family. She is deeply missed by many. She is survived by her daughters Elizabeth (James) Crew of Big Canoe; Laura (Richard) Brown of Norwell, MA; and sons Clarence (Lamar), James (Mary Anne Walser), Kendrick (Caryl), William (Amy), all of Atlanta; Anthony (Andrea Erickson) of Marlborough, MA; 18 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. She is predeceased by husband Alexander Smith III, son Alex Smith IV, and siblings: Claire Ridley and Rawson Haverty. The family expresses deep appreciation to her caregivers, especially granddaughter Rawson Grobety, Betty Benning, Tee Richardson, Gladys Hester and Valerie Singleton. The funeral service will be at the Cathedral of Christ the King at 10AM Friday September 19th with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ignatius House Jesuit Retreat Center.