Betty Jean Brazley

Betty Jean Brazley of Laveen Village, passed away on Tuesday, April 21, 2025 at the age of 91.

Mrs. Betty Jean Brazley blessed the lives of Julia Leach and Brice Dupree Rivers when she was born on May 12, 1933 in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. Betty had two brothers, Louis Rivers, who was in the US Navy, and Obree Rivers. She had one sister, Mrs. Maxine Louise Cudjo.

Betty met and married Sargeant Theodore Randolph Brazley in El Paso, Texas. From this union were born Janet Brazley-Slan (Ronnie Slan) & Teddy Randolph Brazley (who preceeded her in death). Betty later met Mr. Fred Smoots & to this relationship her son, Frederick Douglas Smoots, was born.

Betty enjoyed being with her only sister, Maxine, her nephews and nieces, dancing to music by James Brown, family gatherings, picnics, church, and tons of fun and laughter!

Betty was Baptist and spent her last months enjoying online church service provided by her great niece, Stephanie Cudjo. (Thank you!)

Betty began her homegoing during this Holy Week. Betty was called home April 21 at 10:30pm, assisted by her sister. Hospice was then notified and did not arrive until 12:15am. Betty was calm and quiet. We want to give thanks to Chaplain Tony and Nurse Anthony!

Betty is survived by: daughter Mrs. Janet Brazley-Slan & her husband, Mr. Ronnie Slan, her son, Mr. Frederick D. Smoots, Lakenual "Kenny" Jones (grandson), Lydia Bettina Joi Jones (granddaughter) and partner Shantel Brown, Helen Woods (niece), Vanessa Watson Haynes (niece), Julia Watson (niece), Reginald Caldwell (nephew-in-law), Brice, Hershel, and Louis (great nephews), Ms. Ashley Davis (great niece), great grandchildren: Maylasia Dow-Jones, Bryshawn Jones, Kaden Jones, Keenan Jones, Madelyn Skye-Turner-Jones, Deondre Jones, Lakenual Teddy Jones, great great grandson Messiah Jones, and Louise (friend).

We thank everyone. Thank you, Helen Cudjo, for your deed! (Flowers.)