Bettie Jean Smith

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our dear mother, Bettie Jean Smith, 93, on March 31, 2026, in Hemet, California. She was born on June 3, 1932, in Hasima, Texas to Bryant Jefferson Richardson and Marylan Estelle Richardson becoming the fourth child in a family of eight children.

Her family eventually moved to Chula Vista, California, where she attended school and met her husband, Armand Rodney Smith, on a blind date. They were married on August 16, 1949, after knowing each other for only two weeks and three days, and stayed married for 69 years until Armand passed away.

After they married, they moved to Canton, Illinois, for several years before moving back to San Diego. In 1967, they moved to Chula Vista, where they resided for over 40 years, then moved to Hemet in 2015.

Bettie dedicated her life to her family as a loving homemaker. She found joy in the simple and meaningful things-cooking meals that brought everyone together, baking treats that became family favorites, and expressing her creativity through sewing, quilting, and crafting. Her hands were rarely still, and her work was always made with love. She also took great pride in her yard, tending to it with care and devotion.

She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who cherished her family above all else. Bettie is survived by her four daughters, Susan Lewen, Sandra Painter (Steve), Barbara Hawley (Ray), and Patricia Smith.

She leaves behind seven grandchildren, Elizabeth Davis (Brian), Jeffrey Lewen (Veronica), Josh Painter (Courtney), Mark Lewen, Christopher Painter (Nicole), Pamela Simpson, Angela Hawley and nine great-grandchildren, Reggie Jones (Sierra), Andrew Painter, Chloe Painter, Elijah Weir, Noah Lewen, Kevin Davis, Isabella Lewen, Madison Lewen and Kenzie Davis. She is also survived by her sister, Mary Kelley of Houston, Texas, and many nieces and nephews.

Bettie will be remembered for her lively spirit, her creativity, and the comfort she brought to those around her. Her life was a testament to love, family, and the beauty of a well-lived life.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered