Betty Lou Smith

Betty Lou Smith, 87, of Lynchburg, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at Runk & Pratt on Leesville Road.

Born May 31, 1938, in Pennington Gap, Virginia, Betty was the daughter of the late Coy and Mae Newberry Collins. After the passing of her mother when she was just nine years old, Betty was lovingly raised by her grandparents, Orval and Mattie Collins—a beginning that shaped her resilient spirit and tender heart.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 43 years, P.C. “Bill” Smith, Jr.; her son, William Joseph “Billy Joe” Smith; three sisters, Grace Hall, Mary Ellen Collins, and Jean Alsup; and one brother, Billy Ray Collins.

Betty’s life was marked by humility, quiet strength, and unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. From her early years, she learned the value of hard work and service, working as a nanny and later as a waitress. It was during this time that she met the love of her life, Bill Smith. They married in 1963, and Betty embraced her role as a military wife with grace and steadfast support, following her husband to various cities before settling in Lynchburg after his retirement.

A devoted member of Thomas Road Baptist Church since 1972, Betty's life was a living testimony of Christian service. In 1975, she began her cherished ministry in the toddler nursery—a calling that would span decades. With patience and joy, she nurtured countless young hearts, not only caring for their physical needs but planting seeds of faith in each little life she touched. Generations of families entrusted their children to Betty’s care, many returning years later with their own children and grandchildren—an enduring legacy of love.

Beyond the nursery, Betty faithfully served in many other ministries, including Awana, Acorn Children’s Publications, Treasure Island, and the bus ministry, where she often prepared breakfast for the drivers. Whether behind the scenes or in the nursery teaching them about Jesus, “Miss” Betty served wholeheartedly, never seeking recognition, but always pointing others to Christ through her actions.

Those who knew Betty will remember her as a woman of deep conviction, quiet strength, and a servant’s heart. Her faith was not only professed but lived daily through acts of kindness, words of encouragement, and a steadfast dedication to her church, her family, and her Lord.

She is survived by her children: Dr. Lisa Smith; Linda Gentry and her husband David; Dr. David Smith and his wife Danyelle; and sons-in-law James Goff and Ricky Templeton. She was a proud and loving grandmother to nine grandchildren: Kristen Ramsey (Chris), Amanda McAlister (Chris), Dr. Steven Templeton (Jennifer), Michael Templeton (Dr. Katy Templeton), Spencer Gentry, Codie Young, Dakota Smith, Brendan Smith, and Greyson Smith; and great-grandmother to Mitchell, Maddox, and Miles McAlister, Noah and Harper Templeton, and Colton Ramsey.

Betty also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, and treasured lifelong friends including Anna Cunningham, Bonnie and Bill Picking, Fay Jennings, Ruth Lowman, Ann Renalds, Joann Austin and Ann Morris.

A service celebrating Betty’s life and faith will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 10, 2025, at Whitten Timberlake Chapel, officiated by Pastor Matt Willmington. Interment will follow at Fort Hill Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

The service will be livestreamed from her memorial webpage at www.whittentimberlake.com.

In every season of life, Betty Lou Smith exemplified what it means to walk humbly with God, to serve others with love, and to live a life worthy of the calling she received. She has now entered her eternal rest, rejoicing in the presence of the Lord she so faithfully served.