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Betty Smith Obituary

BETTY FREEMAN SMITH

Betty Freeman Smith, of Wilmington, died Saturday, Aug. 8, 2009, at the Lower Cape Fear Hospice and LifeCareCenter.

Betty was born in Lumberton, N.C., on Feb. 16, 1932, and raised in Wilmington, N.C. She was the daughter of the late Earl Freeman and Loyce M. Thompson.

She was a dedicated and loving homemaker for her family and friends.

Betty was a faithful member and devoted communicant of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Wilmington. She was active in many ministries as a vestry member, choir member, wedding director, and President of the St. Agnes church women.

Surviving are her husband, Charles Edward Smith, a son, Charles Edward Smith, Jr. (Maureen), a daughter Vicki Smith Hayes (Bob), a grandson Patrick Brown, a sister Barbara F. Rooks (Richard), niece and nephews, Loyce Ann Abernathy, Travis Rooks, Robert Rooks, aunt Margaret McLean, and stepfather Dr. G.R.C. Thompson and extended family, and many other family members and friends.

Funeral services will be held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church at 16 N. 16th St., on Thursday, August 13 at 11 a.m. A private burial will follow in the Bellamy Memorial Garden on church property and a reception will be held in St. Paul's Parish Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings can be made to Ministry of Music at St. Paul's Episcopal Church and Lower Cape Fear Hospice. The family wishes to acknowledge Tammie Cavenaugh and the staff at the Lower Cape Fear Hospice Center for their love and care for Betty.

Online condolences at StarNewsOnline.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Wilmington Star-News on Aug. 12, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Betty Smith

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Pat Taylor

August 21, 2009

Charlie, Sorry I could not attend the services for Betty. I was in Florida with my family but want you to know you are very special to me. I talked to Betty before I left and am so glad I did. I will call you very soon. Sincerely. Pat Taylor

Deborah Doucett

August 16, 2009

Charlie, You and Betty have been so dear to us and especially to Hannah. Betty was so integral to the beauty of St. Paul's. She exemplified her faith in all she did and will always live in my heart and mind as the personification of grace. I love you both and pray for you in your sorrow.

Gail Drabczuk

August 14, 2009

Jan & I are deeply saddened for the family's loss of Betty.

August 13, 2009

I am deeply sorry for your loss. I was at the service but unable to stay for the reception as I wanted to get back to Vivian. She had a partial mastectomy Monday; and even if she is doing well, I didn't want to leave her for long. I can't imagine how it would be to lose your partner after many years of marriage. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.

With sympathy,
Neel Wright

August 12, 2009

My family and I would like to express our sincere sympathies during this time. We have been very honored to know your family and the time we shared. Please know we are keeping your family in our family's thoughts and prayers.

Bill, Kaitlynne, and Julie Duclos, Doris Duclos, and Joey and Becky Duclos.

Katie Hyer

August 12, 2009

Charlie, Just wanted to say again how glad we were to have known both you and Betty during our time in Wilmington. We have fond memories of you two and the time spent on "the island", in your home, and at St. Paul's. Betty was a great lady and we know you are missing a piece of your heart.

Love,

Katie and Ray Hyer

Harold & Cheryle Wade

August 12, 2009

Betty Smith will be missed by all who had the pleasure to meet her. We all feel this loss because Betty just became part of your family after you made her acquaintance. Those who knew her longer will miss her with more intensity, but they are still lucky for having her as a part of their lives for longer. Charlie, let us know if we can help in any way.

June and Joe Wilkins

August 12, 2009

Our friendship with Betty and Charles goes back to our childhoods. We got married within a month of each other and went through the births of our son and their daughter together. Our lives led us apart for years but we did manage to have a few lunches with Betty and Barbara and other friends in the last couple of years. She was a regular e-mail buddy of mine and a wonderful friend. Even though we know she is in a better place she will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

August 12, 2009

CHARLIE, MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU...I KNOW THE HEAVENS ARE MUCH BRIGHTER NOW...ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL ANGEL HAS BEEN RECIEVED.. THE LORD WILL LIFT YOUR HEAVY HEART IN DUE TIME....I LOVE YOU, DORCAS

August 12, 2009

CHUCK AND MAUREEN AND FAMILY,

WISH WE COULD BE THERE WITH YOU, BUT PLEASE KNOW OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. WE LOVE YOU VERY MUCH - JOE AND VELMA SULLIVAN

John and Martha Zeigler

August 12, 2009

While we will miss Betty's cheerful and welcoming smile, heaven is surely rejoicing at another joyful member in the celestial choir!

Wayne Teachey

August 12, 2009

Charles, you and Betty mean more to me than you probably know. She was one of the first to welcome me at St. Paul's, and you were right behind her. Both of you have accepted my daughter, Hannah, like she was one of your own. While I can't imagine how much you miss Betty, I will always miss her.

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