Betty Ann (Riley) Smith

Betty Ann (Riley) Smith, age 91, passed away on February 27, 2023. Betty Ann was born April 23, 1931 in New Brunswick, New Jersey to Don and Betty Riley. Her family moved to Oak Ridge, Tennessee during World War II in order for her father to work on the Manhattan Project. She graduated from Oak Ridge High School after skipping a grade level. She was a member of the Fairmont Presbyterian Church for over 65 Years, serving as a deacon, elder, and trustee. Most recently she was a member of the Shannondale Presbyterian Church and very much loved her family, friends, and her church. She was a remarkable, active, and bright woman who was a Saint Mary’s Hospital Pink Lady, Cub Scout Den Mother, and homemaker. Betty designed and oversaw the construction of a lake house and her Fountain City homes. The lake house and boating on Norris Lake provided frequent family fun. Betty Ann returned to the University of Tennessee to finish her Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics with a focus on Interior Design after seeing her three children through college. Her homes and yard always looked like something that you might find featured in Southern Living magazine. Betty Ann had a knack for refurbishing and repurposing furniture years before it became poplar on cable TV shows. She did not consider herself a great cook, but friends and family frequently enjoyed gathering for her scrumptious meals. She consistently presented herself with dignity and graciousness. Betty Ann had a great sense of mischievous humor and fun that she successfully hid from her children until they were old enough to know the truth. Betty Ann was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Robert Leon (Bob) Smith, daughter, Barbara Lynn Smith Bearden, and brother, Donald R. Riley. She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Richard Smith and Vicki Smith and R. Larry Smith and Sharon Smith; grandchildren and their spouses, Russell and Jennifer Smith, Barry and Amanda Smith, Cindy and Daniel Wetzel, Laura and Richard Lawson, Mallory and Matt Wilson, Robert and Kaitlyn Bearden, Tyler Smith, and Edward Bearden; great-grandchildren, Brayden Smith, Grayson, Avery, and McKinley Wetzel, Cade and Haydn Lawson, Parker and Cooper Wilson, son-in-law Lennis Bearden. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Betty Ann’s name to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, P.O. Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101-9929 or Shannondale Presbyterian Church, 4800 Tazewell Pike, Knoxville, TN 37918. The family will receive friends from 1-2:30 pm Friday, March 3, 2023 at Rose Funeral & Cremation-Broadway. Graveside side service will follow at 3:00 pm in Greenwood Cemetery. Online condolences may be extended at www.rosefuneraltn.com

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Betty Ann (Riley) Smith

April 23, 1931 - February 27, 2023