Betty Barnes Smith

Betty Barnes Smith, 78, of Valdese, NC has gone to reunite with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday, December 25, 2015.  She was a loving, caring, devoted, hard-working mother who will be missed by everyone who loved her.  Born in Burke County, NC on December 29, 1936, she was the daughter of the late Clyde Hoyle Barnes and Ida Icard Barnes Winebarger.

In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her step-father, Ernest Winebarger; her husband, Charles M. Smith, Jr.; a sister, Judy Berry; a brother, Carrol “Bud” Barnes; and a son-in-law, Thomas Watson.

Betty was a member of Calvary Freewill Baptist Church.  She worked at Dolly Hosiery Mill and retired from Valdese Manufacturing with over 40 years of service.

Mrs. Smith is survived by her daughters, Beverly Watson of Connelly Springs, NC, Rita Pope and her husband, David, of Connelly Springs, Debbie Fortenberry and her husband, Bill, of Valdese, and Karen Smith of Valdese; a son, Shannon Smith and his wife, Shelly, of Morganton; grandchildren, Chastity Pope Church, Brian Smith, Chuck Fortenberry, Holly Fortenberry, William Pope, Drew Smith, Trinity Smith Killian, and Benjamin Clay Smith; sixteen great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; brothers, Ernie Winebarger, Rocky Winebarger, and Danny Barnes; a sister, Essie Smith; and a lifelong friend, Betty Church.

The family will receive friends from 6 – 8 p.m., Monday, December 28, 2015 at Sossoman Funeral Home.  The funeral will be held at 3 p.m., Tuesday, December 29, 2015 at Calvary Freewill Baptist Church with the Rev. Leonard Lindsey and the Rev. Woodrow Carroll officiating.  Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park.  At other times the family will be at the home of Debbie Fortenberry.

Memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Freewill Baptist Church, P.O. Box 375, Rutherford College, NC 28671 or to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.  

Mamaw Betty had that unconditional love for everyone.  She will be watching from above!