The bright lights of the party have dimmed with the passing of Betsy Smith. 'Be bold and mighty forces will come to your aid' (Basil King) was a quote she lived by - and Betsy was bold! Betsy left a trail of laughter, generosity and wisdom in her wake. She never met a stranger and was always happy to help others, even when no one solicited advice. What Betsy lacked in stature, she made up for with an over-abundance of charisma, charm, and feistiness.

Raised in Coleman TX by Valeta (Helberg) and Raymond Smith, Elizabeth LaVerne was born January 25, 1949, and was a bossy older sister to Molly. After high school, Betsy worked in an office for 6 years before attending University of Texas (bachelor's degree) and Texas A&M University (master's and PhD). Betsy was honored by the College of Education at TAMU in 2002 as one of 30 outstanding alumni. Held over a rainy, cold weekend, the highlight was attending the Aggie football game in homemade ponchos.

After completing her PhD at Texas A&M University, Betsy took a position at Pensacola Junior College in 1987 and worked her way up to vice president. Betsy took to the sunshine and beautiful beaches of Pensacola and became active in community events, created a new Rotary Chapter, and served on non-profit boards. While doing so, she met and married the love of her life, Jack Parkin. Jack came with 4 adult children and a bunch of grandkids who were family to Betsy. Speaking of family, Camp Grandpa began and included most of Jack's grandkids along with Lindsay and Mike Sherman who descended upon Pensacola like a storm. Lots of bonding activities happened including an infamous horse-riding experience. Betsy and 'the kids' organized Jack's 75th birthday party with the entire family coming together for an Ohio Amish country tour, Thanksgiving meal and chaos. Most recently, Betsy's niece Raegan and kids came from Texas to visit. After a day at the beach, the kids were relaxing around the house when Carson came to Betsy to ask about her pet 'mouse'. Turns out an opossum used the doggie door to come inside to nest in the box springs of a bed!

Four weeks after their marriage, Hurricane Ivan ripped through Pensacola and Jack began the hunt for the most 'weather benign' place to live. They moved to Cary, NC where Betsy developed a thriving professional coaching career. After Jack's passing, Betsy returned to Pensacola to be near friends.

Betsy and Kathleen Logan co-authored the book Second Blooming for Women: How to Grow a Life that Matters after 50 (still available on amazon). This led to a Seminar at Sea and other workshops to enable women to fulfill their personal and professional interests. Based on Jack's adventures as a bone marrow cancer patient, Betsy authored The Patient Advocacy Handbook: Empowering You to Boldly Navigate the Healthcare System. The journey took them to Duke Medical Center and Cleveland Clinic for medical care. Betsy and Jack went to Midland TX to celebrate her cousin Valeta's granddaughter's win over cancer. While there, Jack became seriously ill and hospital problems ensued. This led to his children converging on the scene, a medical flight home for Betsy & Jack, and a wild van ride across the country by the Parkin kids (some of those details are best left alone). Betsy's attention to detail and stubbornness created the foundation for the book's premise: How to insist on excellent medical care for your family and while they are in the hospital (available on amazon.com)

Betsy was a fan of professional tennis, Texas football, honky tonks, country western dancing, wine and margaritas and spending time with family and friends. Betsy worked out with the personal trainer for the 1st time in her 40s. She worked hard to impress the trainer with her strength and determination and failed. After that Betsy started regular workouts with trainers, even trying yoga, Pilates, water aerobics and other exercise classes. The stories became legend, especially after the first time using an exercise ball where she went 'ass over tea kettle'.

The main theme throughout her life was people. Betsy was a 'people magnet' and attracted lifelong friends everywhere she went. Survived by sister Molly (Billy) Jones; niece and nephew Raegan Smith and Nathan Jones; great niece and nephews Caleb, Carson and Trae; Jack's children Nancy, Scott, Eric and Debbie (and their kids and grandkids) and a multitude of friends. During her recent illness she was supported by Molly and Billy Jones, Eric Parkin, Deb Lilly, Lynn Burden, Martha Caughey, Mary Esslinger and Sharon Ward.

Betsy is stress free, at peace, and back with Jack. She will be missed.

A celebration of life will be held 1-3pm Sunday, July 30, 2023, at First United Methodist Church, Wesley Abbey, 6 E. Wright St., Pensacola, FL 32501.

If you wish to make a donation to honor Betsy, The Powerful Women of the Gulf Coast is accepting donations at P.O. Box 1125, Pensacola FL 32591 https://www.powerfulwomengulfcoast.com/

Please put Betsy Smith Scholarship Fund in the memo line.