Betty Cobb Smith

Betty Cobb Smith passed away peacefully on June 26, 2020. She was born July 19, 1927 in Camden, South Carolina and was the daughter of Hollis Frank Cobb and Elizabeth Ledford Cobb.

She married John Robertson Smith (Jack) on September 5, 1946 in Charlotte, NC. They moved to Asheville, NC in 1957 where they raised their family and enjoyed life in the mountains.

Betty worked in the Asheville City School System for many years and made many lasting and fruitful relationships throughout her career. In retirement she continued her friendships with many of her colleagues who made an impact on her. She was a proud member of Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church where she and her husband served as youth leaders and where she was a faithful member of her Women’s Circle for many years. After moving into the WNC Baptist Home, GCPC brought the meetings in and she continued to enjoy participating with the women of the church.

Betty relished her retirement and put the time to good use and was a member of the exclusive “Tuesday Group” – an eclectic mix of women from the community who loved to share a meal, catch up, and play cards from time to time. She believed in making a difference and giving back to the Asheville community, volunteering with Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church and with Hospitality House of Asheville (now Homeward Bound of WNC).

Betty, or as many knew her by “Dakka”, loved her family deeply and could always be counted on for support or praise. She not only took time to care for each of her children and grandchildren but instilled an unwavering grace and set of values for them to live by. She cared for Jackson, without complaint, when he wasn’t able to do so for himself. She was devoted, and loved her Lord and looked forward fondly to the day she would be with Him. What a reunion she’ll have with Jackson and how surprised she’ll be to see her brother Hobby!

Betty is survived by her children - Cynthia (Tony Sayer) and Jeffrey, her grandchildren D. Brett August Harker (Jane Brockman), Lauren Hollis Harker, Joanna C. Wade (Brian) and Abigail Clarke-Sayer (Warren Berry), and three great-grandchildren Margot C. Wade, Theodore A. Wade and Owen A. Berry. She is also survived by her sister Mary Cobb McSwain and her husband Walter (Dub), her sister by marriage, Jane Thornhill Cobb and her nieces and nephews.

Her family would like to thank the staff of the WNC Baptist Home, especially the top floor nursing unit, for all of the love and care given to her over the past few years. And, to Rev. Billy Honeycutt whose prayer on Thursday undoubtedly helped her cross over!

A memorial service will be announced at a later time.
Memorials can be sent to the Western North Carolina (WNC) Baptist Home, 213 Richmond Hill Drive, Asheville, NC 28806.

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