Betty Lou Smith, age 95, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2026, at Grand Strand Regional Medical Center in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Betty was born May 20, 1930 in Logan County, West Virginia, to the late Stollie W. Hainor and Myrtle McKinney Hainor. She spent many years of her life in Huntington, West Virginia, before later retiring to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where she made her home.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of over 50 years, Charles T. (C.T.) Smith, Jr.; her daughter, Deborah S. Barrett; and her two sisters, Gaie H. Bryant of Gallipolis, Ohio, and Dolly H. Steele of Richmond, Kentucky.
Betty is survived by her granddaughter, Catherine (Shane) Horton; her great-granddaughter Lilly Horton; and her great-grandsons Brooks Horton and Gage Horton, all of whom she loved very much. She is also survived by several nephews: Mark (Marla) Steele, Joel Steele, Gary Bryant, Dale Bryant, and Greg Bryant, along with several great-nieces and nephews and great-great-nieces and nephews. Also surviving are her three cherished friends and former colleagues from Highlawn Elementary School, Charlotte Smith, Mary Lopez, and Vicki Halstead, whose friendship meant so much to her.
Betty was a proud graduate of Marshall University, where she earned her Master’s degree in Education. She devoted 30 years of service to the Cabell County School District, where she served faithfully as both a teacher and a principal before retiring.
Betty and C.T. married at a young age and truly enjoyed life together. They loved boating and water skiing on the Ohio River and treasured their many trips to Myrtle Beach each summer. Eventually, they retired there, spending many happy years together by the coast Betty was an active member of First Baptist Church of Surfside until her health no longer allowed her to attend.
In her later years, Betty found great joy sitting on her back porch, watching and feeding the many birds and squirrels that visited her yard. She also loved the companionship of her dogs and cats, who brought her comfort and happiness.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Sharon James for the devoted care and support she provided to Betty in her final years, as well as to Grand Strand Regional Medical Center and her nurse, Regan, for their compassion and kindness.
Betty has now been reunited with her loved ones and is at peace. The family will hold a private graveside service at a later date.
Memorials may be made in her memory to First Baptist Church of Surfside, 711 16th Ave. N, Surfside Beach, SC 29575.
