Betty Jean Smith

On December 9, 2025, the world lost a bright light. Betty Jean Watts Smith, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and cherished friend passed away peacefully at the age of 89. Born September 9, 1936, in Catawba County, NC, she was the daughter of the late Theodore O. Watts and Lovie Crump Watts.

Betty Smith, of Hickory, North Carolina, was a beautiful and loving soul and she had a huge impact on everyone she met. She was a strong woman with a tender heart of gold. Betty’s family was her pride and joy. She loved being with her husband, raising her children, and spending time with her family, and her grandchildren. She was an exceptional cook, and her legendary apple pie was a staple at family gatherings. She also loved swimming, gardening, laughing, beach vacations, dancing, music, and flowers. She was well known for her beautiful red rose bushes at her home. She was a woman of faith, being a charter member of Tri-City Baptist Church. She retired as a supervisor in the furniture industry after working her way up as a seamstress.

Betty met Ray at a steakhouse in 1965. They married the following year and have been inseparable ever since. They celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary on October 7 this year. Their love for each other is truly an inspiration to us all. Wherever you saw one of them, you saw the other too. Ray has been the most hardworking, dedicated and loving caregiver imaginable.

She touched countless lives with her kindness and generosity. She was always the first person to jump in when help was needed and lend an ear to those in troublesome times. But more than anything, Betty was a remarkable woman, a fierce protector of her family, a listening ear, and a steadfast source of wisdom. She taught her children the meaning of strength, loyalty, unwavering kindness, and that a warm meal can solve almost any problem.

She is survived by her loving husband, Ray Edward Smith; daughter Yvette Smith, daughter Noelle Heaslet and husband Pete; grandchildren Lilly Heaslet, Corinne Heaslet, and Max Heaslet, as well as her sisters Christine McCall and Doris Dobish.

In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her brothers Billy Joe Watts, Jerry “Sonny” Watts and sisters, Pansy Hull, Peggy Minton and Hazel Hobbs.

Betty leaves behind a brokenhearted group of supportive family members and friends, including her best friend of over 80 years, and godmother to her children, Ruth Cook.

Her funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 20, at 1:00 at Drum Funeral Home, 940 29th Ave NE, Hickory, NC 28601.

The family will receive family and friends prior to the service from 12:00-12:45.

A Graveside service will be held at 3:15 at Mountain Grove Church, 2485 Connelly Springs Rd, Granite Falls, NC 28630 following the funeral.

The family will hold a potluck dinner for family and friends immediately following it at the William B. Shuford Recreation Center (part of the Granite Falls Parks and Recreation Department), 56 Pinewood Rd, Granite Falls, NC 28630. Please bring a dish to share.

Condolences may be sent to the Smith family at www.drumfh-hickory.com.

Drum Funeral Home in Hickory is honored to be serving the Smith family