She was born in 1933 to James Melvin and Johnie Allene Cox. She grew up in the Rio Grande Valley and after high school she attended Sul Ross University for a short time where she met her husband, Carlton Smith. They were married on Christmas Day, 1951 and over their life lived in Marfa, Sanderson, Lorenzo, Imperial, and McCamey while raising their four children. Betty Lou received degrees in Home Economics from Texas Tech University and Elementary Education from East Texas State. She retired in 1988 after a long career as a public schoolteacher. It would be hard to calculate the number of Kindergartners and elementary students that she helped start their formal education and taught how to read, write, count, tie their shoes, tell time, wipe their noses…and the list goes on.
After retiring, they moved to San Angelo where they lived out the remainder of their years. While in San Angelo she was very involved in her several different ministries. There was no doubt by anyone who met Betty Lou that she had a deep faith and personal relationship with Jesus Christ. She shared that faith unashamedly with anyone she met. She counted Victory Christian Center as her home church in San Angelo but for the last several years of her life she often visited other churches and congregations in town as she believed there was just “one church”.
Her husband Carlton preceded her in death in 2018 after 67 of marriage. Together they had four children: Su-z Kleinhans (David); son Carlton “Buddy” Smith, Jr.; daughter Kay Graves (Perry); and son Jeff Smith (Kelly). One of the great joys of her life was being “Memaw” to her 8 grandchildren: Chad Graves (Leah), Kristin Hintz (Joe), Zak Kleinhans, Shella Arnwine (James), Zane Graves (Kayla), Riley Smith, Mattie Smith, and Laynie Smith. In addition, she had the bonus blessing of thirteen great grandchildren: Cade Fregia; Cameron and Catherine Graves; Carissa, Josiah, and Brylee Hintz; Jayden Gonzales; Jace Arnwine; David Kleinhans; Trinity Bowers; Jillyan Foltz; Gunner and Ellie Graves. She is also survived by one brother, Leon Cox (Margaret); one sister-in-law Diana Smith, and numerous nephews and nieces.
The family request that in lieu of flowers that donations be made to any dementia or Alzheimer’s organization, Victory Christian Center, or San Angelo House of Faith.
Private funeral services are being coordinated by Johnson Funeral Home. Viewing opportunities are available on Saturday, February 27th and Sunday, February 28th. Due to covid concerns, the family is having a private burial.
