Betty Dolores Smith
May 31, 1941 – April 26, 2025
Betty Dolores Smith, age 83, of Edmond, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2025. She was born on May 31, 1941, in Warren, Oklahoma, to Charles Timothy McConnico and Katie Lea McConnico (Shockler). Betty’s life was one marked by deep faith, unwavering love, and a heart devoted to serving others.
On June 11, 1961, Betty married the love of her life, Jackson DeWayne Smith. Together, they built a beautiful marriage that lasted 53 years, grounded in their shared faith and their special life verse, Ruth 1:16: “Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay.”
In 1986, Betty and Jack founded the Jack Smith Evangelistic Association, a ministry that brought thousands upon thousands to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Betty faithfully traveled alongside Jack across the globe — to Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi, and Mexico — where her beautiful voice would draw crowds eager to hear the Good News. Together, they also led countless stateside revivals, sharing the hope of Christ wherever they went. Betty’s passion for evangelism extended into her everyday life, joyfully sharing Jesus with waitresses, workmen, and anyone she encountered.
Betty had a tender heart for animals and found great joy in the simple pleasure of playing with her beloved German Shepherd, Bear. Her life was a reflection of kindness, compassion, and steadfast faith.
She is survived by her loving daughter, Kayla Spears (Joe Lee) of Edmond, Oklahoma, and her son, David Smith (Chrissy) of Bethany, Oklahoma. She also leaves behind her cherished sister, Muriel Hudson of Mandeville, Louisiana, and her treasured grandchildren: Nathan Smith, Abigail Spears, and Joshua Spears, all of Edmond, Oklahoma. Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren: Barrett Smith, Tristan Smith, Ellie McNabb, and Jackson Mize. Betty also held deep affection for her many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jackson D. Smith; her parents, Charles Timothy McConnico and Katie Lea McConnico; and her brothers, Bill Wingrove, Guy Wingrove, Noel McConnico, Olan McConnico, and Charles T. McConnico.
Betty’s radiant faith and warm spirit touched everyone she met. Her life was a testament to God’s love and grace, and her memory will forever be a blessing to all who knew her.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Reaching Souls International:
Reaching Souls International: info@reachingsouls.org
A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, May 1st 2025 at Stonegate Cumberland Presbyterian Church (17101 N Western Ave).
Betty was a wonderful woman so good to Barrett. So sorry for the families loss.
Melissa Lewis
When I was a teenager, Betty was the first to put full make up on me and to set me up on a blind date. When we were young she was a little more like a sister than an aunt. She will be missed by many.