Obituary of Betty Jo Smith
Betty Jo Smith, 85, passed away on Tuesday, December 26, 2023 at the Winter Haven Hospital. She was born on February 28, 1938 in Winter Haven, Florida.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents Nora Tyndal and Henry Blanton, past husbands, brothers Wayne (“Bo”) Tyndal and Bob Blanton, sister Sally Blanton, and son Tommy (“Ray”) Willis. Betty is survived by her daughters, Ramona Bilbrey and Kathy Hicks, her son Allen Smith, daughter-in-law, Cindy Willis, and brothers Jim and Joe Blanton. She leaves behind eight grandchildren (Chris Willis, Alisha Hughes, Jared Gatlin, April Rohde, LaRae Boyd, Beth, Cassandra, and Christine Smith), as well as several great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Betty lived and attended school in the Lake Alfred and Winter Haven area. She worked for Automatic Machinery Corp in Winter Haven for nearly 28 years. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Lake Alfred since 1952. Betty was described by many as a sweet and kind soul. She was a woman of strong faith and is now rejoicing in the arms of her Lord and Savior.
A visitation will be held at Ott-Laughlin Funeral Home in Winter Haven on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM with a Celebration of Life to begin at 12:00 PM. Following the service, a burial will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery in Lake Alfred.
“Free, free at last! I am free from this body of pain and sickness. Free to be with my Lord!”
– Betty Smith