Betty Smith - Obituary

etty Lee Smith, 71, a retired Child Development Provider passed on Thursday, February 16, 2012 at Southern Maryland Hospital Center following a prolonged illness. Betty was born in Alexander, Louisiana on June 17, 1940 to the late Thelma Freeman and Willie Dorty. She received her education in Louisiana and remained there until 1970. During this time she met and married Master Sergeant Oris A. Smith "Smitty". Subsequently they were transferred to Bolling AFB, Washington, D.C. While stationed at Bolling AFB, Betty became a Certified Child Care Provider and worked in the Child Development Center at Bolling AFB for many years, until her health began to fail. During her extended period of illness, her devoted husband, "Smitty" became her caregiver and dedicated himself to making sure that she received the best care possible by him. Betty is survived by her devoted husband of 42 years, "Smitty"; son, Marvin Freeman of MD; cousin, Diallo Sekou of MD, five brothers- in- law; George R. (Vashie) Smith, Frank A. (Abedella) Smith, Freddie (Patsy) Smith, Lenwood (Brenda) Coleman, one sister-in-law, Agnes (Willie) Land, a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and many devoted friends and neighbors. I would like to share the following note that I found after her passing (she was always writing personal notes and leaving them where I could find them). "Smitty, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for every single thing you are doing for me. If I seem ungrateful, God knows it's not in my heart. I don't think I would be alive today if it were not for you and God. Love you, your wife." “Betty I will always Love You and may your soul rest in peace.” Your Husband, Smitty On Thursday, February 16, 2012; the beloved wife of MSgt .Oris A. "Smitty" Smith, USAF(Ret.); mother of Marvin Freeman. She is also survived by four grandchildren, many other relatives and friends. Relatives and friends are invited to Betty's Life Celebration on Wednesday, February 22 from 11am until time of service at 12 noon at the GEORGE P. KALAS FUNERAL HOME, P.A., 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD. Interment private. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association.