Obituary of Betty Jean Smith

MEBANE, NC – Betty Jean Smith, 94, died peacefully at home on Wednesday, March 9, 2022.  She was born in Mebane in the same house on October 3, 1927, to June Nelson Smith and Annie Sartin Smith. 

B.J. graduated from Mebane High School and attended East Carolina Teachers College.  On a Friday in 1946 she went to Western Electric in Burlington to apply for a summer job.  She started work the next Monday and stayed for forty-two years.   She was a long-time member of Telephone Pioneers and the American Business Women’s Association.

After retirement in 1988, she traveled extensively and sported a “NVRHOME” license plate.  She volunteered with American Red Cross blood drives and delivered Meals On Wheels until she was ninety.

A lifelong faithful member of Mebane United Methodist Church, she taught Sunday School and sang in the choir for over sixty years.

B.J. is survived by three nephews, Henry Nelson Harrell(Linda) of Sumter, SC, Melvin Leslie Harrell(Debra) of Floyd VA, and James Maddry Harrell(Kate) of Reidsville, NC, seven great-nephews, Adam, Charlie, Will, Carey, William, Howard, and Taft, special long-time neighbors and friends, Paul and Barbara Sullivan and Karen Pore, and a special friend and caregiver, Annette Kimrey.

In addition to her parents, BJ was predeceased by a brother, Melvin R. Smith, a sister, Marie Smith Harrell and a nephew, William Carey Harrell, Jr. 

The family would like to express thanks to the caregivers, hospice workers, and many friends who have cared for and supported B.J. and us over these last months.

The family will receive friends on Friday, March 18 at Walker Funeral Home, 304 W. Center St., Mebane, NC, from 6:00-8:00 pm.  A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, March 19, at Mebane United Methodist Church.

Memorials may be made to Mebane United Methodist Church, 200 S 4th St, Mebane, NC 27302.

Walker’s Funeral Home of Mebane is serving the Smith Family.

www.walkersfuneralservice.org