757.628.1000

Betty J. Smith


Sunrise: August 3, 1936

Sunset: February 1, 2025

A precious one from us is gone a voice we loved is stilled, a place is vacant in our home, which can never be filled, we loved her more than words can express, but God loved her more and He quietly called her to rest.

On Saturday, February 1, 2025, Mrs. Betty Jean Smith, affectionately known as “Nanny,” quietly entered her eternal home. She was born August 3, 1936, to the late William Alexander and Mattie Virginia Griffin (Ferebee) in Norfolk County, VA.

Betty was educated in the Norfolk County Public School System. She had a thirst for knowledge, and with her eagerness to regularly attend class, she excelled. Betty had a willingness to achieve, she later attended night classes. She was so excited to attend that she earned her GED.

At an early age, she learned to cook and carry out household chores. She married her childhood sweetheart Isaac Smith. That union produced two daughters. God blessed them to celebrate fifty glorious years together.

Betty accepted Christ at a young age. She later joined Deep Creek Church of Christ Disciples of Christ, where she was a faithful member, a devoted servant of the Senior Usher Board, Women’s Ministry, Church secretary/treasurer, and Trustee. Betty was employed as a domestic worker for many years caring for the Robinson family.  She later was employed with Chesapeake Public School System as a custodian. She worked at Deep Creek Central Elementary until she retired due to illness in 2001. She received awards for perfect attendance over several years.

Betty understood the importance of keeping active and mastered many skills. She had quite a green thumb. She loved gardening and had many flowers at her home. Betty taught her family members how to clean, cook, and take financial responsibility. She was an excellent cook and was famously known for her beef stew, lasagna, meatloaf, and her delicious rice pudding. She loved family gatherings as her home was the place for all the family cookouts and holiday meals. One of her greatest joys was teaching the young people how to play UNO and trouble.

She is preceded in death by her parents, William and Mattie Griffin, her husband Isaac Smith, daughter Alice Smith and siblings Essie Coleman, William Griffin, Robert Griffin, Mary Barco, James Griffin, Elijah Griffin, Florence Brickhouse, Charles Griffin, John Griffin, Dorothy Crawford, the twins Winfield and Winford Griffin.

She leaves to rejoice in her memory: daughter, Marie Bryant, granddaughter, Lakeesha Bryant, brother, Frank Griffin (Delores), sister-in-law Doris Griffin, Dovia Griffin, Clara Griffin, brother-in-law Julius Crawford, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Viewing: Friday, February 14, 2025 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM Metropolitan Funeral Service 5605 Portsmouth Boulevard Portsmouth, Virginia Celebration of Life: Saturday, February 15, 2025 11:00 AM New Light Church - The City of Praise 2418 Cedar Road Chesapeake, Virginia Laid to Rest: Roosevelt Memorial Park 1101 Campostella Road Chesapeake, Virginia

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Condolences(4)

  1. reply
    Burton Robinson says

    Amazing, wonderful lady. She had an impact on my family, especially my brother and me. Her prayers were a major reason I am a pastor.

  2. reply
    Nikea Griffin says

    A wonderful mother and grandmother to Rita Bryant and her daughter kiesha.

  3. reply
    Nikea Griffin says

    Also a great Sister in law and also a great Sister to frank griffin.

  4. reply
    Marilyn Lassiter says

    Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1 My aunt encouraged me to seek the world. Her words and wisdom always encouraged me never give up. RIP

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