Bettie Jean Blair

Bettie Jean Smith was born in Rockingham, NC on September 9, 1935. She was the last born of 15 children to the late Eugene and Henrietta Deberry Smith. She grew up and graduated high school in Southern Pines, NC before moving to Brooklyn, NY in 1952. Bettie worked in retail until 1955 when she married William Henry Blair. William and Bettie were blessed with three sons Robert William, David Lawrence and Gary Thomas. While raising her children in Brooklyn, Bettie also provided childcare, and received numerous awards from Catholic charities for providing exceptional childcare services. She relocated to Atlanta, GA in 1992 to be near her children. Bettie owned and operated Aunt Bettie’s Backyard Daycare from 1993 until her retirement in 2010. She always knew her gift from Jehovah was caring for and nurturing infants and children. Over the course of those years, Betty provided childcare for numerous children, several of whom she remained close to until her death. After retirement, when Bettie wasn’t in field service, she could be found tending her garden and house plants. In addition to reading her bible, she also was also fond of crochet and word puzzles. She took great joy in travelling around the country to visit friends and family. A doting grandmother, she treasured family gatherings that brought her together with her children and grand-children. She also loved a great meal. Bettie was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses after moving to Atlanta and remained a faithful servant to Jehovah until her death. Bettie’s love for Jehovah compelled her to speak of God’s Kingdom to everyone who would listen. She could also be found giving advice and spiritual encouragement to those in need and was also a good friend to her neighbors and members of her congregation. Bettie fell asleep in death on February 2, 2017. She leaves to cherish her memory three sons, Robert (Cassandra) Blair of Houston, TX, David (Daphne) Blair and Gary Blair, both from Atlanta, GA. She was preceded in death by a fourth son, Martin Blair, Brooklyn, NY. Bettie also leaves four grandchildren: Justice Blair of Austin, TX, Jeanea Blair of Baltimore, MD, and Ivy Blair and Chelsea Blair of Atlanta, GA. Two of Bettie’s sisters will also cherish her memory: Christine Smith Melton of High Point, NC and Nellie Smith Worley of Brooklyn, NY, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends. On Monday February 6, 2017, there will be a Public Visitation, 10am-7pm and a Wake, 7-8pm at the South Dekalb Chapel of Gregory B. Levett and Sons Funeral Home 4347 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur, GA 30034. On Tuesday, February 7, 2017, the Celebration of Life Service will begin at 11am at The Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses - 4126 Flakes Mill Road, Ellenwood, GA 30294. Flowers and condolences may be expressed here at www.levettfuneralhome.com Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Homes (South Dekalb Chapel) 404-241-5656. For those wishing to listen to the funeral service, please dial the following number: (678) 608-1285 ; and input the following pin code when prompted: 678005

Tributes

Bettie Jean Blair

September 9, 1935 - February 2, 2017