Betty Jean Smith, the second child of three, was born on May 20, 1934 in Cleveland, Ohio to the union of the late Lonnie and Vera Ward. She attended and graduated from Cleveland Public Schools.  At an early age, Betty Jean confessed her life to Christ and was baptized.

Betty Jean worked at Highland View Hospital in dietary for several years and Huron Road Hospital in Central Supply, where she retired. She also volunteered at Catherine R. Tyler Nursery for several years.

Betty Jean was a member of Temple Baptist Church and served on the Mother’s Board. Later she joined Tabernacle Baptist Church as a Chartered Member and served on the Board as Trustee and as the President of Tabernacle’s Mother’s Board.

Betty Jean was married to the late Carl Williams Sr. for ten years and to this union three children were born. Later she married the late, Odell Smith.

Betty Jean was a kind and loving person. She loved working crossword puzzles and was a strong beautiful person.  One of the most important things in life was making sure that there was plenty of food to eat.  Betty Jean loved planning and coordinating the churches Prayer Breakfast events.

Betty Jean loved her family and was a nurturing mother, not only to her own children but also to many young women in the church, and for that she will be always remembered. Her role as a mother and grandmother was most important to her.  But even though she is at peace, she has left the legacy of her love.  Betty Jean touched many lives that will forever remain in our memories.

Betty Jean departed this life on November 28, 2017. She was preceded in death by her son, Carl Williams Jr.; granddaughter, Bridget; great grandson, Jerry; brothers, Harold and Lonnie Ward.

Betty Jean leaves to cherish her memories, three children, Vera Elaine (Williams) Moore, Lonnie Williams and Ella Aubrey of Cleveland, Ohio; fourteen grandchildren, Dedra, Sundiatta, Marva, Tamika, Tishakah, Lonnie (Nikey), Tatayana, Romel, Tenay, Robert, Terry, Ranell, Roger and Amari; six great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; one daughter-in-law, Subira; sister-in-law, Carol Ward; cousin, Johnnie Mae Richardson, ninety three years old and a host of cousins and many, many friends.