Betty Frances Smith Bartlett

Betty Frances Smith Bartlett

December 29, 1934 – December 31, 2021

Betty Frances Smith Bartlett was born to Judd and Vera Matthews Smith on December 29, 1934, in the small community of Chalybeate Springs in Harnett County. She was a Home Economics major at Meredith College, class of ‘57, and identified lifelong as an Angel. She met her husband, the love of her life, William Bartlett, while still a student, and they began their life together in Newport News, Virginia, where their first two children, Deborah and Tony, were born. Their youngest, Robert, was born after they moved to Elizabeth City. In 1971 they moved to Wilson, to the same home they lived in for the last 50 years. She listed homemaker as her occupation, but the space on forms was never big enough to list everything she was and did. She was probably best known for her cooking and catering, and in that role was a vital part of the special occasions for a multitude of family, friends, and businesses.

Her interests were many. She was a master seamstress, loved music and books, sang in the choir, gardened, painted, refinished furniture, taught occupational therapy and tailoring, and hosted too many gatherings to count. Family, church, and friends mattered to her.

She delighted in her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and was happiest when they were all gathered around her table.

She passed from this world on Friday, December 31, 2021. We are grateful to have the assurance that she is in the presence of her Lord Jesus Christ, but we miss her greatly.

2 Thess. 2:16-17
Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Judd and Vera Smith; sister, Beth Smith Howard, and brothers, Holt Smith and Randall Smith.

She is survived by her husband, William “Bill” Preston Bartlett, and children; Deborah Bartlett McKay, daughter, and her husband, Trent and their children, Alexander (Ann), Zachary (Sora), Caroline (Erik), and Jonathan and great-grandchildren; Jude and Adelaide. William Anthony “Tony” Bartlett, son, and his wife, Jayne and their children, Lisa (Brad) and Angie and great-grandchildren, Brandon, Bailey, Isabelle, Braden, and Karsyn. Robert Sears Bartlett, son, and his wife, Joan and their children, Allison and Reece. Her older sister, Bonnie Smith Stein of Nashville, Tennessee, and many beloved nieces, nephews and family. In her later years, she cherished the companionship of her friend, Lillie.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, January 5, 2022 from 10 – 10:45 a.m. prior to the 11 a.m. memorial service at Joyner’s Funeral Home, 4100 Raleigh Road Parkway, Wilson. Rev. Mark Harrell will officiate.
If you are inclined to send memorials, please consider Forest Hills Baptist Church, 1407 Forest Hills Rd NW, Wilson, North Carolina 27896 or Meredith College, 3800 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, North Carolina 27607.

Condolences directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home and Crematory at www.joyners.net.