Betty D. Smith of Virginia Beach passed away on February 3, 2022. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Captain Glen W. Smith, USN, retired. She is survived by her son Edgar “Ted” Smith and wife Claudia, daughter Tina Sechrist, granddaughters Shaunna and Stacy, grandsons Ian and Kyle “ Skip” and several great grandchildren.

She was born Betty Ellen Downing on April 10, 1936 in Saratoga Springs, NY where she was raised and attended Cobbleskill College receiving a degree in food service management. The skills she learned from her degree came in handy during her husband’s military career. She taught lower ranked officer’s wives the art of party preparation and entertaining required by military edicate. Her entertaining talents shined best as Captain Smith was the commanding officer of the Joint Forces Staff College in Norfolk.

After Glen’s military retirement, Betty joined him as a teacher in the Chesapeake public schools. They enjoyed working in the same school and teamed up to coach volleyball at Hickory Middle School for many championship seasons.

Betty and her mother Agnes enjoyed spending time together working on ceramics, antique dolls and needle point crafts. They also loved shopping together. Whatever one bought, the other one had to have as well!

The family would like to send a special thank you to all the staff at Marian Manor Assisted Living and Hospice for their care and kindness to Betty during her stay.

A memorial service will be held in the Chapel at Marian Manor Assisted Living on Saturday, February 19, 2022 at 2:00 pm. Marian Manor is located at 5345 Marian Lane, Virginia Beach, VA 23462. For everyone’s health Marian Manor is requiring all guests be vaccinated and wear a face mask. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early for the COVID screening process prior to entering the facility.

Please visit www.vacremationsociety.com to share memories and offer condolences.