SMITH, BETTYE D., who served as mayor of Sanford for three terms, died on February 24, 2013, after a remarkable life. She was 80. In addition to being mayor of Sanford, she was at various times a nursing student, a real estate broker, a graduate student, a college professor, a victim advocate for the Seminole County Sheriff's Department, and a devoted member of several civic associations. She taught herself to play the piano and was for many years a musical accompanist for local choral groups, one all male, one all female. She was the pianist at the First Baptist Church in Sanford for many years. She was also the loving wife of Dr. Robert J. Smith for almost 60 years, the loving mother of three sons, John, of Jupiter, Robert of Rockville, MD, and Cary, of Lake Mary, and grandmother of four. It is a measure of her lifetime of service that the reception following her memorial service will be held at a building named after her, the Bettye D. Smith Cultural Arts Center. In lieu of flowers, her family asks that donations be made to the music ministry of First Baptist Church, Sanford. 519 Park Avenue. A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 2, 2013, at 10 A.M. at the First Baptist Church of Sanford, A visitation prior to the service will be held at the church from 9 AM to 10 AM. Arrangements entrusted to Gramkow Funeral Home & Crematory, 500 East Airport Blvd., Sanford, Florida 32773 (407) 322-3213.
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3 Entries
Dr. Smith...so sorry for your loss. Saying prayers for you and your family during this time.
Robin Tindel-Beal
March 2, 2013
So sorry to hear of Bettye's passing. My heartfelt condolences to the family. I remember Bettye and Dr. Smith from the early days at Pinecrest Baptist as well as all the service they provided to the Sanford community. She will be missed.
Doug Gramkow
February 28, 2013
So sorry to hear of the loss of Bettye. As C of C president of Lake Mary, Bettye and myself shared many good times together. My thoughts and prayers go out to Dr. Smith and family.Sincerely, Carol Hoffman-Forgey
Carol Hoffman-Forgey
February 27, 2013
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