Betsy Rate Smith

Betsy Eron Rate Smith, 73, of West Columbia, SC passed away on Saturday, September 23, 2023 after a long-time illness. She was born January 1, 1950 and was the daughter of the late John and Bobbie Rate.

Betsy was a graduate of Brookland-Cayce High School, Class of 1968, and a former Miss Bearcat, 1965. Following graduation, she married the love of her life, Steve Smith. She was a talented and creative artist who loved sharing her gifts with her family. From crocheted baby blankets, to Afghans and warm hats, to Spiderman webs, she was always creating and giving. She was also a fantastic cook and baker. There was never a family holiday where her cakes and pies were not welcome. She loved collecting figurines and Madame Alexander dolls. Christmas was her favorite holiday and her house would always have the most decorations on the block.

She leaves behind her husband of 54 years, Lester Steve Smith; her two children, Eronn Amick (Bobby Duval) and Eric Smith (Heather); grandchildren, Wesley Smith, Watson Amick, Walker Amick, Andrew Duval, Chloe Smith and Crimson Smith; brother, John Barrett Rate (Barbara); sister, Bonnie Smith; sister in-law, Linda Cliett (Rick); nephews, Randell Rate (Laura), Brad Davis (Tracy), Bryan Davis (Jessi), Joshua Hodge (Tammy) and Daniel Cliett (Aghtan); nieces, Tasha Strickland (Chris), Katie Hall (Austin), Meredith Gary-Taylor (David) and Jessica Haygood (Nick); great nephews and nieces, Charity, Tyler, Parker, Lincoln, Marlee Claire, Amelia, Barrett, Taylor, Wade, Evie Beth, Shannon, Andrew, Sarah Jean, Turner, Layton, Gabrielle, Sabien, Tabatha, Dalton, Greyson and Dylan; great-great-nephew, Waylon, and many more loved ones.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Barbara Jean Davis and her in-laws, Lester and Ruby Smith.

Funeral services will take place for Betsy at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home, Lexington Chapel located at 503 North Lake Drive, Lexington, SC 29073 with Reverend Clay Faulk officiating. The family will receive family and friends at the funeral home an hour before the service. Burial will follow at 1:00 PM at Ft. Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Rd, Columbia, SC 29229.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at 2101 Rexford Rd #165W, Charlotte, NC 28211, https://www.stjude.org/give or Wounded Warrior Project at 4899 Belfort Rd. Suite 300, Jacksonville, Fl 32256, https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate

Pallbearers will be Bobby Duval, Wesley Smith, Watson Amick and Walker Amick.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.caughmanlexington.com for the Smith family.