Betty was the oldest of 6 Children, born on August 13th, 1940, in Atlanta, GA to Arthur and Evelyn Poss. She attended Sprayberry High School and enjoyed roller skating, sun bathing, dance and swimming. Her superb swimming skills allowed her to become a lifeguard at what used to be Parkaire Mall in East Cobb. After graduating from high school, Betty attended Massey Business College to pursue her certificate in key punch.
After attending Massey Business College, Betty carried her talents to Oxford Manufacturing where she honed her skills as a key punch operator. Because of her speed and accuracy, Betty was recruited by the Internal Revenue Service where she supervised 17 other key punch operators. After spending a few years in the business world, Betty eventually settled into her most important job, wife and mother.
In the summer of 1958, Betty met a handsome, young go getter named Hayward Smith at First Baptist Church in Roswell. Betty would skip out of Sunday school to talk to Hayward and his friend. She was 17 at the time and didn’t know Hayward was only 16 because he seemed so mature. Hayward swept her off her feet. Their courtship was rapid and they married in secret on Love Street on September 27th, 1958 by the justice of the peace.
After becoming Mrs. Hayward Smith, Betty continued to study at Massey Business College and work at Oxford Manufacturing and the Internal Revenue Service. In summer the of 1966 while pregnant with her second child Todd, Betty and Hayward decided that it would be best if she stayed home and focused her attention on raising her children in a loving, Christian home.
Betty’s most important work would be raising her two children, Tammy and Todd. Tammy and Todd credit their mother for their tenacity, work ethic and Christian values. Betty was a constant in her children’s and grandchildren’s lives always encouraging and supporting their interest and endeavors. She relished being called “Nana” to her 3 grandchildren, spoiling, playing, reading or dancing with them. Betty was a “Mama Bear” and committed to the upbringing her children. No one messed with Tammy and Todd! Betty was free to love and care for family and friends no matter the obstacle. She personified
Love and Patience.
Betty loved gardening, dancing, decorating and tending to her flowers. She and Hayward
loved traveling to their favorite spot in the Bahamas where they would soak up the sun, sight see and relax.
Betty is preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Evelyn Poss, Marion Arthur Poss Jr. (brother) and John Hayward Smith (Husband).
Betty is survived by her sisters Linda Webster, Gail Towe, and Cherie Chandler; children, Tammy Griggs (Larry), Todd Smith (Angela). Her legacy will live through her grandchildren, Wesley Griggs, Anna Griggs and Rhett Smith. She will be remembered and cherished by many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and friends.
We would like to extend a special thank you to the angels at “The Retreat” in Canton, GA who loved and cared for her like she was their own mother.
The family will receive friends for visitation Wednesday, May 24th, 2023 beginning at 12 o’clock followed by a service at 2 o’clock at Roswell Funeral Home, 950 Mansell Road, Roswell, GA, 30076. Her interment will follow at 3 o’clock at Green Lawn Cemetery.
Donations can be made in her honor to the Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital, Atlanta GA
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