Obituary for Betty Jean Smith (Sexton)
I was born in St. Louis, Mo March 22, 1923 to Ruth Blalock Sexton and Rhea Farris Sexton. At 6 months of age my family and I took the train all the way to Los Angeles, California where I spent my life until I was 32 years old.
I graduated from the University of Southern California in 1945 a year after I married the love of my life, Russell Mervyn Smith, who was called to active duty in the Navy in February 1944, and we married as soon as he was sworn in. God blessed us with 4 beautiful, smart children over 3 states. Randall and Shelley were born in Los Angeles. Stacey was born in Scottsdale, Arizona, and Nancy was born in Dayton, Ohio.
Russ and I have had a long and good marriage, some years better than others, but that is life. We have traveled all over: In Europe were were in southern Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Italy all the way down to Rome (Florence was our favorite). Later we toured England, Scotland, and parts of Wales. We went to Tahiti, New Zealand, and Australia. We had a wonderful timeshare in Kauai which we loved, made a trip in the Caribbean on our 50th anniversary, sailed the islands of Hawaii on our 60th anniversary, and made our final cruise to Alaska.
We’ve been blessed with nine beautiful grandchildren whom we adore, and six great grandchildren who have brought joy to our lives.
God has been good to me. To my children, leave me with love and happiness in your hearts. I have had a good life and I love you all.