Betsy Smith

Dana Elizabeth (Betsy) Choate Smith, of Terrell, passed away on Tuesday, June 28, 2022. Betsy was born Sept. 3, 1948, in San Diego, CA to Laban and Mary Prendergast Choate, both of whom preceded her in death along with her brother-in-law, James Dickerson. She was also preceded in death by her aunt and uncle, Dana E. and Rupert L. Henry who raised her and their son, Rupert A. Henry. Betsy’s family moved to Terrell when she was two years old where she was raised by her aunt and uncle and lived approximately six years. She moved to Corpus Christi and lived with her father, who retired from the Navy, for four and a half years. She then moved back to Terrell to live with her aunt and uncle where she continued in her schooling until graduating from Terrell High School in 1967. She met Hank Smith in high school, and they dated all through, getting married after graduation. As a young lady, she accepted Christ while living in Corpus Christi and knew that she was a beloved child of the Lord thereafter. Betsy had a quiet personality, but her genuineness came shining through in every interaction that she had with others. Because of her great kindness and generosity, she made lifelong and very close friends, many of whom she stayed close to during her entire life. Many visits and thoughtful gifts were shared with her friends over the years while making meaningful, cherished memories that are still treasured. Betsy was a devoted sister as well and daily, or at least every other day, conversations with her siblings were very important to her, catching up on current life as well as reminiscing about past family and friends they each shared. To say Betsy was an animal lover was to understate her appreciation for all animals. Over her lifetime, she had many pets including dogs and birds. She never met a stray, and she was a strong advocate for every animal that needed help. She also enjoyed quiet evenings watching TV with Hank and hearing about his day and the goings-on with the land on their farm and livestock that he took care of. A grounded lady with a wonderful sense of peace always around her, Betsy will be missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her husband of over 55 years, Hank Smith, of Terrell; sister, Amanda Starr and husband, Gary, of Pearly, TX; brother, Butch Choate of Dallas; sister, Pat Choate Dickerson of Terrell and Rachel Harper, her cousin, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Funeral Service will be at 10:00am, Wednesday, July 6, 2022 at Max Slayton Funeral Chapel with interment to follow at Oakland Memorial Park. Her family will receive friends 5:00pm to 7:00pm, Tuesday, July 5, at the funeral home.

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Betsy Smith

September 3, 1948 - June 28, 2022