Elizabeth Rae Smith

Elizabeth Smith (nee Humphrey)rnrnWhen the going got tough, Betty got going. Her depression era roots and difficult times forged a strong person. As a young woman she looked to better her life and with opportunities being rare, she joined the Air Force in 1951. There she’d find more than the discipline of military life. She was pursued by a man named Clement E. Smith from Brooklyn. The two would marry, eventually settle in Deepwater NJ, and be blessed by three sons: Michael (Jacqui), Paul E (Carol), and Clement (Kimberly). She was widowed in 1973 and left with the task of raising the boys on her own. Her method was simple: an immense amount of unconditional love tempered by the occasional swat. It was Betty’s way or the highway. Although she was never wealthy, her kid’s needs were always met. Her cooking was also simple, usually richer in nutrients than taste, but all agreed that her apple pies and Norwegian pancakes were tops. After her husband’s passing, she returned to Glassboro State to earn her teaching certificate. She’d graduate summa cum laude and in the process taught her sons lessons in perseverance, hard work and the lasting value of a solid education. As a teacher at St. James Grammar School she instilled discipline in her students and earned their respect. Many considered her their friend as much as their instructor. Later years found her living in Bordentown, babysitting her grandchildren, working at the Hamilton YMCA, and heading out to the casinos with her close friend, Rae Svez. Her simple pleasures were playing along with Jeopardy, exploring her family’s genealogy with her niece, and watching the Phillies. She was upset that Jason Werth left the team. She took the greatest pride in the accomplishments of her sons and the brilliance of her grandchildren. In addition to her sons and their wives, she is survived by her 5 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, her brother, Fred Humphrey, and many nieces and nephews. Come celebrate 81 great years Wednesday 8-11 a.m. at Daley Life Celebration Studio, Swedesboro where there will be a service at 11 a.m. Interment private.rnrn