Betty Jean "Blankenship" Smith

Betty Jean (Blankenship) Smith, 89 of Meador, West Virginia, entered eternal rest peacefully on Wednesday afternoon on September 3, 2025, at her residence in the Trinity Health Care of Williamson, WV. Betty was born on October 14, 1935, at Beech Creek, WV to the late Howard and Emma (Thompson) Blankenship. She was the third of ten children.

In addition to her parents betty was preceded in death by her husband, Cleatis E. Smith; her daughter, Debra Sue Bragg; and her siblings Ila Cisco, Opal Thacker, Estalene Jones, Billy Ray, and J.P. Blankenship.

A dedicated worker, Betty served as a cook for Mingo County Schools and spent many years at the Matewan Lumber Company. In her early years, she worked at the Mountaineer Hotel coffee shop, where she met the love of her life, Cleatis E. Smith.

Betty is survived by her two children Cleatis Ricky (Amy) Smith of Goldsboro, NC; and Terry Allen Smith of Ragland. Betty is also survived by her 8 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren. She also loved her nieces and nephews, especially a special nephew, Eddie Estepp, who was always there whenever she called, as well as many brothers- and sisters-in-law whom she held dear. She is survived by her four sisters: Dorothy Fitch of Piqua, Ohio; Ernestine Clemmons of Hardy, KY; Ruth Estepp; and Judy Kennedy of Beech Creek, WV.

A woman of great culinary talent, Betty loved to share her table with anyone who entered her home. Her warm smile and hearty meals were her way of showing love. A devout member of the Ben Creek Church of Christ, she attended faithfully until her illness. Betty believed in sharing both food and faith-her home was always open for worship, study, and fellowship.

The family will begin receiving friends on Monday, September 8, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.. in the Ben Creek Church of Christ Funeral services will follow at 1:00 p.m., with Gene Clemmons, Donnie Estepp, and Shawn Burgraff officiating. Burial will take place in the Emma Blankenship/Kennedy Cemetery in Beech Creek, WV, where family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family by visiting http://www.chambersfuneralservices.com.

Arrangements for the Betty Jean (Blankenship) Smith family are in the care of Chambers Funeral Services, Inc., in Matewan, WV.

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