Betty Smith

Betty Duke Smith of Florence went to her heavenly home on November 16, 2011, five days shy of her 52nd birthday. Visitation will be at Chancellor Funeral Home in Florence on Thursday between the hours of 5 and 8 p.m. On Friday, there will be a visitation at Briar Hill Baptist Church at 10 a.m. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. at the church. \ Betty is survived by her husband, Bailey Smith; daughter Candace Walton (Dwight); son Jacob Smith (Ashley); and one granddaughter, Kadance Walton. She also leaves behind two sisters, Nancy Mason and Karen Holston (Bobby), and one brother Raymond Duke (Stacey). \ Betty was born in Tampa, Florida to James and Edna Duke. The family moved to Richland in 1972. After graduating from Florence High School in 1977, Betty attended Phillips Business College. Betty worked her entire carrier with Ken Pace, CPA. She and Bailey married on January 27, 1979 at Briar Hill Baptist Church and started their family in the Monterey community. Betty enjoyed reading, camping, vacationing and spending time with her family. Betty especially enjoyed spending time with her 14-month-old granddaughter, Kadance.\ A verse Betty had marked in her bible is Ephesians 2:8. Which reads, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God." \ In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her memory to Briar Hill Baptist Church Building fund or Gideons International. Both can be mailed to Briar Hill Baptist Church, 707 Hwy 469 North, Florence, Miss., 39073.\