Elizabeth Lyndall Smith

Elizabeth "Betty" Meyer Smith was born on May 11, 1920 in Seattle, Washington, and died on February 15, 2010. She was preceded in death by her parents Frederick William Meyer and Thelma Crow and her loving husband, Lon A. Smith, Jr. She is survived by her devoted daughters, Susan Smith Dorsey and husband Mickey, Kate Smith Manahan and husband Jim, three grandchildren, Laura Elizabeth Dorsey Rodriguez and husband Fred, Terry Dorsey, Kelly Manahan Francis and husband, Richie, and a great grandson, Jace Reagan Rodriguez. Betty had a full and rich life. After graduating from The University of the Pacific, formerly known as the College of The Pacific where she was a Kappa Alpha Theta. She began her working career at the 63rd Base Headquarters and Airbase Squadron at Gardner Army Air Field outside of Bakersfield, California, where she met the love of her life. Lon, who was stationed at the base, took one look at the gorgeous brunette and it was love at first sight! They were married on February 24, 1943 and would have celebrated their 67th anniversary later this month. Taking a huge leap of faith, after what many would consider an extremely short courtship, Betty got on a train bound for Texas, arrived in Austin and never looked back or regretted leaving her former life behind. Betty was a friend to all and a champion for many causes. She was a member of the Junior League of Austin for over 55 years, a member of the Helping Hand Home for Children for 50 years and a member of and an integral part of The Church of the Good Shepherd, where she was head of the Altar Guild for over 30 years. In addition to being head of the Altar Guild, she also served on the Vestry and participated in any and every committee she was asked to serve on. For many years, Betty worked for former Senator Charles Herring in the Texas Legislature and this sparked her interest in politics. After her retirement, Betty chose to give of her time and talents by freely devoting herself to many different volunteer and charitable organizations. She worked tirelessly with the American Cancer Society where for a time, she was president of the local chapter. She also devoted many hours to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, was a hospital volunteer at Seton Medical Center, where she could be seen spreading cheer and delivering flowers to patients and their families, and could always be counted on to assist with the Children's Network Telethon. Betty had many lifelong friends with whom she loved to spend time, play bridge and travel. She was the consummate hostess, who loved to cook and entertain for one or one hundred. Honorary pallbearers are Stuart Benson, Pat Smith, Rick Wahrmund, James R. ("Jimmy") Bouldin, Susan Parker, Terry Parker, Brad Boyette and Sonny Davidson. The family would like to acknowledge and thank the staff at The Summit at Westlake, Assisted Living Facility and the doctors and nurses on the Intermediate Care floor at Seton Medical Center for the wonderful care provided to our mother and the kindnesses shown to us. The family will receive friends from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 18th at Weed-Corley- Fish Funeral Home, 3125 North Lamar Boulevard. A memorial service to celebrate Betty's life will be held on Friday, February 19, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at The Episcopal Church of The Good Shepherd with the Reverend Kelly Koonce presiding. A reception will follow the service in the Church Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Episcopal Church of The Good Shepherd, or a charity of your choice.