Bettye Harrison Smith

When Bettye Harrison Smith went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, she was surrounded by a room full of family and friends, whose lives she had so impacted and blessed with her devotion and love. Those who knew Bettye best would describe her as a lifelong learner and overcomer, a lover of language and travel, the most faithful friend, a sweet encourager, modest, humble, and an inspiration to all. Her life reflects the verse Matthew 22:39: "Love your neighbor as yourself".

Bettye was born on March 8th, 1933 to Clarence and Ollyne Harrison in Gurley, Alabama. Her younger years were very difficult because she was born with Cerebral Palsy. She struggled to verbally communicate with others, only initially able to speak two words. Her mother worked tirelessly to advocate for her daughter. Finally, when Bettye was fifteen years old she was able to leave home and go to a special school for children with Cerebral Palsy. At age sixteen, her goal of learning how to speak was attained through hard work, determination and countless hours of working with a speech therapist. Bettye moved back home and graduated from Woodville High School in 1952. She went on to graduate from the University of Alabama with a degree in speech-language pathology and later earned a masters degree in learning disabilities. While Bettye was working at the Speech and Learning Center in Augusta, Georgia she met and married the love of her life, Joseph L. Smith.

Bettye spent the next fifty-plus years dedicating her life to helping countless adults and children–some of whom were autistic–learn to communicate and socialize. She received several awards for being an outstanding advocate for children with disabilities. Her expertise, compassion and loving nature transformed many lives, helping to pave a way into a brighter future. Bettye Smith used her life to share the love of Christ through her deep care, positivity, and encouragement.

Bettye was survived by her brother: Rev. Jimmy Harrison; Jimmy’s children: Susie Washburn (Mark), James Lyle Harrison (Jennifer); Jimmy’s grandchildren: Laney Washburn, Ruth Harrison and Margaret Harrison. Bettye is also survived by her adopted family: Julie Sculac (Jim), Carolee Smith (Bruce), Wick Armstrong (Melissa) and their children: Marlena Sculac, Brenna Sculac, Gram Smith, Parker Smith, Callie Smith, Jenna Jeffcoat, Mitchell Thorn and Riley Armstrong. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Ollyne Harrison, her husband, Joseph Smith, and her adopted sister, Janie P. Armstrong.

Visitation will be held at Valhalla Funeral Home, 698 Winchester Road NE, Huntsville, Alabama 35811, on October 4, 2026 from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm, followed by a Celebration of Life at Valhalla Funeral Home at 3:00 pm.

Burial will take place at Gurley Cemetery, 335 Sectionline St, Gurley, AL 35748 immediately following services.