Betty Gaines Smith

Mrs. Betty Gaines Smith, 95, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother gained her much deserved angel wings on May 16, 2024.

Mrs. Smith was born in the Rock Branch community on March 22, 1929, to the late Admiral Dewey Gaines and Susie Adams Gaines Douglas. Mrs. Smith was a lifetime resident of Elbert County and was married to the late John W. “Billy” Smith. She faithfully attended Falling Creek Baptist Church until her health began to decline in 2019.

Mrs. Smith spent most of her earlier years as a homemaker and taking care of her children. As her daughters got older, she entered the work force at Cato’s Dress Shop and eventually retired from Oxford Manufacturing. She always had an unconditional loving presence and was a source of encouragement for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her children, grandchildren and family were the highlights of her life. She will be greatly missed by all.

In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Smith is preceded in death by her daughter, Judy Smith Patterson, and siblings Norma Haston, (Odell - Elberton, GA), Joe Gaines (Beth - Elberton, GA), Willene Tucker (Otis - Murfreesboro, TN), Sara Waide (Charlie - Chattanooga, TN), Mary Lee Bosco (Joe - Welford, SC) and Bobbie Hall (Atlanta, GA).

Left to treasure sweet memories and her beautiful smile are her daughter, Debra (Charles) Romine of Elberton, son-in-law, Doyle Patterson of Elberton, grandchildren Denise (Richard) Rousey of Elberton, and Kevin (Julie) Patterson of Jefferson, great-grandchildren Matthew (Kelsey) Rousey of Elberton, Bryse Patterson of Jefferson, and Samantha Rousey of Toledo, Ohio, great-great-grandson Lincoln Rousey of Elberton. She also leaves behind many loved nieces and nephews.

Funeral services to celebrate her life will be held 11AM, Tuesday, May 21 at Falling Creek Baptist Church with Rev. Paul L. Creason officiating. Entombment will follow in Forest Hills Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 5PM to 7PM Monday night at Berry Funeral Home. The family is at the home of Debra and Charles Romine, 108 Forest Ave. Elberton, GA.

Flowers are optional and memorials can be made in her memory to Falling Creek Baptist Church.

The family would like to thank the staff of Magnolia Estates where she resided from 2019-2021, the staff of Spring Valley - Pruitt Health where she resided from 2021-2024 and her special friend Monteary Almond.

Berry Funeral Home and Crematory of Elberton is in charge of the funeral arrangements for Mrs. Betty Gaines Smith.