Betty Smith

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved, Betty S. Smith, who departed us on July 30, 2025, peacefully, surrounded by her loving family. She was a graduate of Swainsboro High School. Her occupation was at Ithaca and in her later years finished with housekeeping. She was a member of Gethsemane Baptist Church for 46 years. She was an usher for 41 years. Betty Jean was the proud and devoted mother of 11 children. Betty was more than a matriarch, she was a devoted partner, a loving mother, and a deeply cherished grandmother. Her presence filled every room with kindness, and her guidance shaped generations.

Though she endured the deep sorrow of losing three of her sons, her unwavering strength and boundless love remained the heart of our family. She was preceded in death by her parents Leona Williams Archie and Willie Easterling; her siblings Gable Archie and Roma Lee Wright; her children Levi Legrant Hughes, Varnell Sutton, Henry Sutton; and her granddaughter Christy Sutton.

She is survived by her devoted companion, Levi Hughes, who stood by her side with love and care throughout the years. She leaves behind 8 children, one daughter-in-law and a bonus daughter. Bennett Sutton Jr., Victor Sutton, Jermaine Smith (Angel Miles), Eva Collins, Franchester Turner (Garner Turner), Allison Phillips (Leonardo Oglesby), Ruby Sutton, Janice Sutton, daughter-in-law Carolyn Sutton all from Swainsboro, Georgia and a bonus daughter Betty Hughes of Mississippi. Betty Jean is the oldest of 9 children. Her siblings, George Archie (Sandra Archie), Jimmie Lee Archie (Mary Ann Archie), Patrick Archie (Vanessa Coppock), Alexandra Archie, Pete Archie, Maeola Archie, Roma Marion (Aldridge Marion), Johnnie Mae Gordon (Willie Gordon), Pam Easterling Greene all from Swainsboro, Georgia and Ella Mae Easterling from Miami Florida.

Her legacy continues through 22 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild, each of whom carries a part of her spirit and warmth. We are grateful for every moment shared with her and will carry her love in our hearts always.

Funeral Service will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Gethsemane Baptist Church with Reverend Cecil Dunlap officiating.

The family will receive friends Friday, August 8, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Chapman Funeral Home.

Interment will follow in Swainsboro City Cemetery.

Condolences may be expressed at www.chapmanfhofswainsboro.com.

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro is in charge of the arrangements for Mrs. Betty S. Smith of Swainsboro.