Bettye Lucille Smith Brown was born July 1, 1949, and was called home on Aug. 29, 2020. She ran her Christian journey to completion and was faithful to God all of her days. Bettye was truly beloved, and she touched so many lives. 

She graduated from Rosa A. Temple High School in 1967 and attended Alcorn State University. She became a member of the Delta Epsilon Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. in 1968. She served as a long-time dedicated member of Holly Grove M.B. Church. Bettye’s career culminated with her retirement from the United States Department of Agriculture. 

Bettye was preceded in death by her daughter, Anita Rochelle Smith; her parents, Charlie and Missouri Smith; her uncle, David Smith; her brothers, Fred M. Smith and Charles J. Smith; and her sister-in-love, Gloria H. Smith.

Bettye leaves to cherish her memory her daughters, Adrienne Anita Mosley (Damon) of Plano, Texas and Fayedra Brown-Dear (Carl) of Rowlett, Texas; her grandson, Harrison Clarke Dear; her brother, Rev. Melvin Smith of Vicksburg; her sister, Alfreda S. Thomas of Vicksburg; special cousins, Myrtle Adams of McKinney, Texas, Patricia Martin of Albuquerque, N.M., and Vivian Smith of Albuquerque, N.M.; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and beloved friends.

A private homegoing service will be Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020, at 11 a.m. at Lakeview Memorial Funeral Home with Rev. Richard Johnson officiating. Invitation only due to COVID restrictions. Burial will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2020, from 1 until 5 p.m. at Lakeview Memorial Funeral Home.