Betty Joe Smith age 88 of Paris, TN, died Thursday, August 28, 2025, at the Henry County Health and Rehabilitation Center in Paris.
Betty was a homemaker who prided herself on being a minister’s wife. She enjoyed ministering to others alongside her late husband, Bill H. Smith, who was the director of Missions of the Western District Baptist Association from 1976-2000. Together, they spent over fifty years in ministry work. Betty enjoyed cooking, baking, and being Mema to all her family. In her last years, she was “Mrs. Betty,” the happy smiling lady who greeted and cared for everyone that passed through the halls of HCHR. Her laughter was contagious. She brought light and love to all around her. She was a member of First Baptist Church Paris.
Born June 3, 1937, in Obion County, TN, she was the daughter of the late Elzie Gildewell and the late Annie Woods Glidewell.
She was married to Bill H. Smith October 30, 1954, and he preceded her in death February 17, 2014.
Betty is survived by her daughter, Shauna (Jeff) Adams of Paris, TN; a daughter in law, Laurie Smith of Murray, KY; three grandchildren, Koie (Mandie) Smith of GA, Matt (Candice) Adams of Paris, and Chris (Sarah) Adams of Paris; three great grandchildren, Nely (Seth) Battoe, Dean Adams, and Cash Adams; a great great grandchild, Adaline Battoe; and several nieces and nephews.
Along with her husband and parents, she was also preceded in death by a son, Michael Smith, a sister, Adell Sis (Frank) Hays, and a brother, John D. (Betty Kate) Glidewell.
Ridgeway Funeral Home 201 Dunlap St./P.O. Box 788, Paris, TN 38242, will be handling the arrangements. Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at Ridgeway Funeral Home from 12:00 until 3:00 pm. Her funeral service will be held Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 3:00 pm at Ridgeway Funeral Home with Chad Kennedy officiating.
Matt Adams, Chris Adams, Robert Beard, Seth Battoe, Cash Adams, and Dean Adams will serve as pallbearers.
Burial will follow in Memorial Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Henry County Hospice, PHC Animal Shelter, or the Charity of the Donor’s Choice.