Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
About
FUNERAL HOME
Betty Smeenge Obituary
She was born in Rock Hill, SC in 1944 to the late Ola and John A. Black and grew up surrounded by family. She attended Erskine College in Due West, SC where she met her husband Jim. Betty was passionate about family. She was the most loving, caring, selfless, dedicated daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, and best friend. She especially treasured her role as Gee Gee.
Betty was a bright light in the lives of so many people. She never met a stranger and treated everyone like her new best friend. She had an exceptional ability to make everyone feel welcomed. Her joyous personality would light up a room, and her sweet southern voice charmed us all. Betty's life was a living example of what being a friend truly means, about giving unconditionally, what forgiveness looks like, and how praying works. She always chose to see the best in us and believe in us, even if we did not deserve it, and she would point us back to Jesus when our hearts were not feeling very kind.
Her kindness and generosity knew no bounds. She would give you the shirt off her back if you needed it. Nobody could leave Betty's house without her trying to give you something she felt you would like. Betty spent countless hours volunteering at her children's schools, taught Sunday school with friends, was the self-designated photographer for many special occasions, and organized the golf tournament known as the Tournament for the Tots for the First Presbyterian Church, where she worshipped for over 50 years. Betty was also an active member of The Rosalind Club and the Junior League of Greater Orlando, and an avid bridge player who achieved Life Master.
Betty is preceded in death by her brother John A. Black and sister Nancy Jean Miller.
Survived by her husband of over 54 years, Jim, sister, Anna McKenzie (Dave), three children, Elizabeth Heiden (Matt), Jimmy (Laura), and John (Courtney Linder), five grandchildren, Cole Heiden, James and Jack Smeenge, Palmer and Grayson Smeenge, Graham Linder, and numerous adored nieces and nephews.
Family and friends are invited to join us in a celebration of Betty's life on Friday, September 25th at 10:30am either in person at First Presbyterian Church of Orlando, or through live streaming of the service at www.fpco.org/funeral
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Heart of the City Foundation at https://www.orlandoheartofthecity.org
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Betty Smeenge
Sponsored by The Orlando Sentinel.
Nancy Kerns
June 3, 2021
Betty was all the wonderful things stated here. She talked me into attending Erskine College and when I arrived, she greeted me with open arms and introduced me all around. I felt so comfortable and welcomed.
Gina Garcia Buell
October 2, 2020
Your wings were ready but our hearts were not. We will miss you so much. Sending love, prayers and strength to your beautiful family.
Mary Ellen Jeffery
September 26, 2020
Liz’s Mom was always very kind to me since our first meeting. She will be missed. Thoughts and prayers to the whole family.
Diane Flader
September 25, 2020
I had the privilege of knowing Betty for only a short time, but she treated me like her best friend. My condolences to the family as you go through this difficult time.
Barb and Dick Heiden
September 24, 2020
Betty was a shining star who will be missed by all who knew her and loved her. She was a precious Christian who lived each day to the fullest. She believed in spending her time, treasures, and talents to bring a smile to someone's face, to make their lives a little easier, and to teach them the joy of the moment. She loved to have people around her, to celebrate their special moments in life, and to capture these times in pictures for posterity. Betty's sophisticated sparkle will be remembered by Dick and me, forever.
Ginger McCann Poynte
September 22, 2020
It was a joy to have known Betty.
It was impossible to be around this vivacious Southern Lady and not feel uplifted. The memories of just hearing her laughter, and the "South in her mouth", as well as her ability to make everyone feel important and cared for, will remain in my heart.
I had so much fun teaching Sunday School, and decorating for The 1st Presbyterian "Medieval Round Table" with Betty.
I will always appreciate Betty including my children and myself, at her family Thanksgiving during a challenging time in our lives.
She was a gift to all of us. I, as well as my children, Tiffany and John, we're blessed to have known her.
Beth Nolen
September 21, 2020
Your big smile and kind heart will be missed. I am pleased to call you friend.
Connie Shea
September 21, 2020
Betty was a bright and shining presence in the lives of so many people. She will be missed, but we all are blessed to have so many wonderful memories with and of Betty. Our thoughts and prayers are with her dearly loved family!!!!
Nancy Appich
September 21, 2020
I am so saddened to hear about Betty and want to send my sympathy to Jim and the children. I enjoyed working with Betty when our children were at Brookshire Elementary and when on the committee for Cotillion. She was a joy to be with and worked diligently on any project we were involved in and it sounds like that continued throughout her life. She will certainly be missed but not forgotten.
Victoria Champlin
September 21, 2020
Betty was one of a kind. She always welcomed you into her heart. Full of life she brought a smile to all she met.
I know her spirit will endure with her immediate and extended family. She touched many and led a blessed life.
We are better for having known her.
Valeta legrier
September 20, 2020
My dear M
Mrs.Betty you will be miss dearly no word can explan why but only God have the answer.He knew he was taking a sweet little angel when he called you home to be with him.I know you looking down on us and my prayers go out to your family and one day we will meet again.Please find rest with your Heavenly Father you will always be in my heart.
Mary Ellen
September 20, 2020
Betty was a sweet lady. It was always a pleasure when Betty had a seat at the bridge table.
Hilary Connolly
September 20, 2020
Betty was one of my patients but she was not just a patient, she was a friend and was very special to me. My heart feels heavy every moment I think about her untimely passing and breaks for her family. Sending all of my love to the Smeenge family during this very difficult time and beyond.
Nancy Rood Johnson
September 20, 2020
This morning, I listened to Dr. David Swanson's (First Presbyterian Church of Orlando) sermon on why God sometimes says No, and it was powerful! It would certainly apply to all of us who are grieving Betty's untimely death. What a treasure she was, and will always be! I extend my deepest sympathy and love to all of you (family and dear friends) as you mourn her loss. May the peace of God which passes all understanding lift you up and carry you through this most difficult time.
Suzanne Ackley
September 19, 2020
I was so fortunate to know Betty when I was a teacher at Brookshire Elementary. She was the best room mother ever and her total involvement in the school continued for many years. I send my heart-felt love to Elizabeth, Jimmy and John. I am so glad you were a part of my teaching life.
Nancy “Haley” Kerns
September 19, 2020
Betty was just as described in her obituary. She came to me my junior year in high school when we were all trying to make that big decision about college. She knew I was hesitant about going to a big school, worried about getting lost in the shuffle. She told me about this wonderful college, Erskine, where she was going to go. It was small and friendly and accepting.
She was right and she was there with smile and her winning ways introducing me To everyone from the President down to the stray cat they were feeding. She made me feel such a part of every thing and set my entire college career off on the right foot.
Candy Nabell
September 19, 2020
Bob and I have fond memories of Betty! We left Orlando many years ago but when we visited and saw Betty , she was the same lovely warm , vivacious person. What an amazing legacy she has left behind. My deepest sympathy to Jim, and her children, grandchildren, and friends. Love to each of you!
Cynthia Agnese
September 19, 2020
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Grier Payne
September 18, 2020
As I read Betty’s summary of her life it captured her personality, kindness, friendship, dedication, loyalty, and her love for others. Her smile stayed with you and made you feel important to her.
She will be greatly missed but remembered with long lasting memories.
Sherry Krawczyk
September 18, 2020
I send my deepest, heartfelt sympathy, especially to Anna. Losing sister leaves an empty place in our hearts. May God bless each one of you during this sad, sad time.
September 18, 2020
Our heartfelt condolences to all of Betty’s family, what a tremendous loss it is! We feel blessed for having known her...though we did not see her often enough she always made us feel valued and loved in her presence. She was very devoted to family and relationships, we can truly say of her she was SPECIAL! Though she will be greatly missed in this life, her legacy will continue through her beautiful children and grandchildren, until that glorious day when when we will all be reunited again. Praying for you all for God’s comfort and peace as you mourn her passing and celebrate her place in this life. You have our sympathy, Jay and Lisa (Smeenge) Nauta and family
September 18, 2020
Our heartfelt condolences to all of Betty's family, what a tremendous loss! We feel blessed for having known her...though we did not see her often she always made us feel valued and loved in her presence. She was very proud of and devoted to family and relationships. We can truly say of her, she was SPECIAL! Though she will be greatly missed,her legacy of love will continue through her beautiful children and grandchildren. Praying for you all for God's comfort and peace as you mourn her passing and celebrate her life. Much Love, Jay and Lisa (Smeenge) Nauta
Lisa Nauta
September 18, 2020
Our heartfelt condolences to all of Betty's family, what a tremendous loss! We feel blessed for having known her...though we did not see her often she always made us feel valued and loved in her presence. She was very proud of and devoted to family and relationships. We can truly say of her, she was SPECIAL! Though she will be greatly missed,her legacy of love will continue through her beautiful children and grandchildren. Praying for you all for God's comfort and peace as you mourn her passing and celebrate her life. Much Love, Jay and Lisa (Smeenge) Nauta
Lisa Nauta
September 18, 2020
Our heartfelt condolences to all of Betty's family, what a tremendous loss! We feel blessed for having known her...though we did not see her often she always made us feel valued and loved in her presence. She was very proud of and devoted to family and relationships. We can truly say of her, she was SPECIAL! Though she will be greatly missed,her legacy of love will continue through her beautiful children and grandchildren. Praying for you all for God's comfort and peace as you mourn her passing and celebrate her life. Much Love, Jay and Lisa (Smeenge) Nauta
Jimmie Wilson
September 18, 2020
We did not have the opportunity to know Mrs. Smeenge very long. The first time we met her was at Christmas. Her and Jim came over with Liz, Matt and Cole for dinner. She walked into our home and we felt like we had been life long friends. We will always remember that special night. Rebecca, Diane and I send our thoughts and prayers to all of her family.
Showing 1 - 29 of 29 results
Make a Donation
in Betty Smeenge's name
Memorial Events
for Betty Smeenge
Funeral services provided by:
Greene Funeral Home - Northwest Chapel2133 Ebenezer Road P.O. Box 37537, Rock Hill, SC 29732
How to support Betty's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Betty Smeenge's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
