Betty Jo Smith, age 83, of Selmer, passed away on September 17, 2020 at her home in Selmer, Tennessee. She was born to Rayford and Buelah Ingle Russom on October 27, 1936 in McNairy County, Tennessee.
Betty attended school at Center Ridge and Rosecreek. She married R.L. Smith on December 16, 1955. She worked at Brown Shoe Company from 1954 to 1968. She began her own business in her home, Betty's Antiques & Gift Shop. In 1970, she and her husband opened Smith Furniture, Appliances & Auction Sales in the old Farmer's Co-op building. They held auctions every Thursday and Saturday nights. They closed the store in 1988. She loved antiques and quilting.
She is survived by a son, Richard Lee Smith and wife Teri Ann of Selmer, TN; a brother, Danny Russom and wife Joann; three grandchildren, Ritchie Smith and wife Jessica, their children Timber and Oaklyn all of Hornsby, TN, Rusty Smith and wife Kim, their baby due in January 2021 of San Diego, CA, Rachel Smith of Selmer, TN; and a host of extended family and friends.
In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Smith was preceded in death by a brother, Wayborn Russom; five sisters, Eddie Lou Goodrum, Minnie Michael, Jane Hornbuckle, Carolyn Jordan, Martha Jones Greene.