Dr. Bettye Jane Smith, Ed.D., 90, passed away on August 29 in Birmingham, Alabama. Born in Fairfield, Alabama, she was the daughter of Ethel and Jesse D. Smith of Adamsville.

She graduated from Ensley High School and, after becoming a public health nurse, attended college at Birmingham Southern, the Peabody School of Nursing at Vanderbilt University and went on to earn her Doctorate Degree in Education from Columbia University in New York. After receiving her doctorate degree, she enjoyed a long academic career that included teaching positions at Troy State University, University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa) and Dean of Nursing at Mississippi University for Women.

She was a longstanding and active member of Midway United Methodist Church of Adamsville and spent much of her free time visiting fellow congregants who were in the hospital, nursing homes or shut-ins. She will be remembered for her warm sense of humor, a great compassion for animals and her devotion to her church and her faith.

She is survived by her brother, Jesse D. Smith, Jr. of Pleasant Grove, four nieces, a host of great nieces and nephews, and her beloved cat Penny.

The funeral service will be held at 10:30 am Saturday, Sept. 3 at Midway United Methodist Church, followed by a private burial service at Elmwood Cemetery. The visitation will be held on Friday, Sept. 2, from 6-7:30 pm at Bell Funeral Home in Forestdale.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Greater Birmingham Humane Society or the charity of your choice.