Basham, Betty Justice Smith

Betty Justice Smith Basham was born on June 7, 1928 at Hardy, Kentucky, to Timothy and Blanche O’Brien Justice.

She is survived by one brother, Bob Justice of Hollywood, Florida; and four children, Janet Smith Francis, Pearisburg, VA; Tim (Kathy) Smith, Fuquay Varina, North Carolina; Jim (Cindy) Smith, Crosslanes, West Virginia; and Chris Smith, Burbank, California; five grandchildren: Sharon (Tom) Zuckerwar, Steve (LeeAnn) Francis, Staci (Ed) Koester, Lori (Ryan) Blair and Eric Smith; and four great-grandchildren, Avery Zuckerwar, Alex Zuckerwar, Noah Blair and Audrey Blair; and a very dear friend and caregiver, Carrie Jessie, who helped her for eleven years.

Betty was only 50 days shy of her 98th birthday on June 7th. She loved nothing more than the good Lord above and her family: children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, sisters, brothers, parents, nieces and nephews. She thought her four children were the greatest “kids” in the world.

Some facts about Betty: she was an avid Chinese Checkers champion; she often asked couples in the family “Do you ever go out bowling or dancing? –like it was 1953. Betty was opposed to drinking any kind of alcohol. She could turn anything you said into one of her church hymns. She loved to cook and loved singing in the choir at Chattaroy Baptist Church for more than 40 years.

Betty was loved by many and will be remembered as a wonderful mother, friend, and Christian. As she stands before God, she will hear: “Well done, thy good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:23)

The family is being served by Givens Funeral Home in Pearisburg, (540) 921-1650; online at givensfuneralhome.com.