Betty Smith

Betty Ann Johnson Smith, 81, of Gulf Breeze died Friday, October 12th. A native Pensacolian, she was raised in North Hill, attended P.K. Yonge School and graduated from Catholic High. Betty Ann was christened in Christ Episcopal Church and remained a member for many years. In the 1950's Betty Ann's career began at the San Carlos Hotel, where she was the secretary to the manager. She created a lifetime of friends and a multitude of acquaintances while participating in many momentous events at the "Iconic Hotel" and in Pensacola. Betty Ann met a young Naval Officer at church one Sunday and within a few months she and Wm. Louis Smith were married at Christ Church. Commander and Mrs. Smith were stationed in a variety of memorable locations, in Pensacola and around the world. After twenty six years in the Navy and five children they retired to Villa Venyce in Gulf Breeze. Betty Ann became a bird aficionado, documenting many a novelty flight from her Gulf Breeze home while raising the remainder of their children. They have been loyal members of Saint Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church since retirement. Betty Ann was predeceased by her father: Niles Van Rensselaer Sr (Susan); her mother Nell Hamilton Bradbury (Brad), her sister Peggy Johnson Merritt (Kenneth L Sr). She is survived by her husband of fifty seven years: (Cmdr USN Ret) Wm. L "Bill" Smith, two sons, Wm. "Rem" Rembert Smith (Jill) of Plano, TX, John Bryan Smith (Kathy) of North Hill, three daughters, Catherine Rice Smith-DuGay (David) of Tampa, FL, Ann Elizabeth Case (Mike) of New Orleans, LA and Susan "Leigh" Michel (Russ) of Mountain Top, PA, two brothers Niles V.R. "Van" Johnson (Jeanne) of Lake Mary, FL and Peter W Johnson of Pensacola. Bill and Betty have nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews and friendships locally and around the country. Visitation will be at Rose Lawn Funeral Home in Gulf Breeze on Thursday, October 18, 2012 from 5-7:00 PM. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 AM Friday, October 19, 2012 at St Francis Episcopal Church, Gulf Breeze, with the Reverends Christiana Olsen and Bob Graves officiating. Interment will follow in Barrancas National Cemetery. The family wishes to thank Bay Breeze Nursing Facility for their care and dedication and to Covenant Hospice for their contributions to the comforts of Mrs. Betty Ann Smith. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial be made to a charity of your choice, in her name.

Visitation

Visitation

Rose Lawn Funeral Home
2942 Gulf Breeze Parkway
Gulf Breeze, FL  32563
Thursday, October 18, 2012
5:00 PM

Service

Funeral Service

St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church
1 St. Francis Drive
Gulf Breeze, FL
Friday, October 19, 2012
10:00 AM

Cemetery

Burial

Barrancas National Cemetery
One Cemetery Road
Pensacola, FL