Betty Sue Hunt Smith (1939–2025): Till We Meet Again
The Bainbridge community shares the news of the passing of Betty Sue Hunt Smith, who died peacefully at her home on December 21, 2025, at the age of 86. Surrounded by her family, she departed in the same town where she was born on August 25, 1939, to R.A. Hunt and Jewell Miller Hunt, and where she spent her entire life.
Her upbringing in Bainbridge reflected the rhythms of small‑town Georgia—tree‑lined streets, the gentle flow of the Flint River, and a culture of neighborly care. After graduating from Bainbridge High School, Betty Sue entered adulthood with a strong sense of responsibility and a devotion to both family and community.
Marriage to Robert Earl Smith became the cornerstone of her life. For 58 years, until his death in 2015, their union embodied loyalty, respect, and shared purpose. Together they built a home that radiated warmth and stability, a place where laughter and companionship were constants. Professionally, Betty Sue worked first in the loan department of Citizens Bank, where her reliability and pleasant demeanor earned trust, and later in the office of Attorney Harold Lambert, where her organizational skills and quiet authority kept operations running smoothly.
Beyond her work, Betty Sue found joy in the simple pleasures that defined her days. She was an avid reader, often immersed in books that sparked imagination and reflection. She dreamed of writing children’s stories, a testament to her creative spirit and her love for nurturing young minds. Family gatherings, quiet evenings, and the routines of daily life brought her deep satisfaction, reinforcing her belief that happiness resides in ordinary moments.
Her devotion to family was unwavering. As a mother to her daughter Terrie and grandmother to her grandson Alex, she poured herself into nurturing relationships, offering encouragement and unconditional love. Her presence was a steady anchor, reminding those around her of the power of selfless care. In Bainbridge, where family ties often span generations, Betty Sue’s example of loyalty and kindness became a model for others.
She is survived by her daughter, Terrie Smith Burney (Troup H. Burney); her grandson, Alex Burney; her brother‑in‑law, C.M. Smith; her cousin; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Robert Earl Smith, and her brother Charles Hunt. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 23, at 11:00 a.m. in the Cadwell Chapel of Cox‑Ivey Funeral Home, with Rev. Greg Ford officiating. Pallbearers will include Roger Smith, McCall Burney, Alex Burney, David Harvey, Charlie Livingston, and Sammy Smith. Interment will follow at Mt. Zion Cemetery, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m.
In remembrance, Bainbridge honors Betty Sue Hunt Smith as a woman whose life was defined by devotion, diligence, and gentle warmth. Her legacy endures in the family she cherished, the work she performed with integrity, and the community she enriched with her presence. Though her earthly journey has ended, her memory continues to inspire gratitude, kindness, and faithfulness in all who knew her.
