Betty Jean (Wallace) Smith

Born to Charles and Vashtie Wallace in Chattanooga, Tennessee on February 15, 1933, Betty was one of six children. She grew up on Dodd’s Avenue, surrounded by a large, loving extended family and many friends. In her youth she was an active member of Ridgedale Baptist Church. At the young age of just 15 years Betty became the bookkeeper for Matthew’s Drugs, located down the street from her home. Her brother Art and his best friend Don Smith worked at the drugstore’s soda counter, serving up ice cream and floats until they headed off to pharmacy school upon graduating from high school. “Doc Smith”, as Don was affectionately known by his customers, purchased Matthew’s Drugs along with his brother John, shortly after graduating from pharmacy school and changed the name to Smith Brothers Pharmacy. Little did Betty know that one day Don would walk back into her life to become her loving soul mate.

Betty graduated from Central High School in 1951 and shortly afterward married Thomas Davis Jr at Ridgedale Baptist Church. Soon after their wedding, the young couple headed to Houston, Texas where Betty worked for Standard Oil Company until the birth of her first child, Sandie. Sandie was soon followed by a second daughter, Teri, and a son, Chuck. The young family moved back home to Chattanooga and into the welcoming arms of family in 1966. Betty dove into her motherhood responsibilities with the enthusiasm she always had in life. Betty and her family joined Oakwood Baptist Church and were active members for many years. Betty became a Girl Scout leader as well as a school/sport team volunteer. Our mother was an accomplished seamstress, hostess, cook and so much more!

In 1972, Betty started working part-time helping her brother Art run Liles Drugs in East Brainerd. She greeted customers with her amazing smile and sincere kindness. Her sharp wit and tenacious work ethic landed her a position at Duff Brothers Wholesale Drug Company in 1974. She began in the ordering department but within a few years worked her way up to the Regional Family Pharmacy Representative. Betty truly was in her element! Always a sharp dresser, Betty had an air of the “80’s” confident corporate businesswoman!

Betty retired in 1993 with many accolades to her name. But a new chapter in her life was just beginning with her new loving husband and partner, Don Smith. Don and Betty had such a zest for excitement in life! They traveled all over the world! Horseback riding in the remote Canadian Rockies, motor home travel in Alaska, and sailing to Europe aboard the HMS Queen Mary II. Betty and Don traveled in his Piper Cherokee twin-engine plane to many destinations around the United States. Betty took flying lessons and became Don’s co-pilot. Betty also became an accomplished marksman with several national and state championships in trap shooting. Don and Betty met many celebrities in their shooting competition adventures. Don and Betty were active members of Delashmitt Road Baptist Church where they could often be heard on Sunday morning singing in the choir.

In addition to her children, Betty leaves behind six grandchildren: Joy, Lauren, Emily, Sarah Ellen, Jake, and Heath. Betty was also blessed with four great-grandchildren: Althea, Liam, Nora, and Julian. Our mother will be missed by all who knew her.

Please join the family for a “Celebration of Betty’s Life” on Saturday; July 29, 2023 at 11:00 AM in the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home located at 8214 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421. Please feel free to leave any special memories or stories that you may have of Betty on the Chattanooga Funeral Home website at: www.chattanoogaeastbrainerdchapel.com. It will be heartwarming for Betty’s family to read your kind thoughts and sweet memories of our loving mom. Thank you!

“We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28