Elizabeth Rothchild Smith (Bettie R.) passed away peacefully on Dec. 10 at the age of 92.  Bettie R. was born in Memphis, Tennessee on Sept. 18, 1924.  After spending most of her life in Oxford, Bettie returned to the Memphis area in 2013 where she resided in the Solana Senior Living Community in Germantown, Tennessee.

In 1945, Bettie married World War II veteran William Smith who built, among other things, the Waller Funeral Home Chapel.  They raised their family in Oxford after short periods in Natchez and Starkville.  Throughout her life, Bettie displayed great inner strength in adapting as circumstances changed to provide a happy, comfortable home for her family.

Referred to by many as “the sweetest little lady,” she gave generously of her love, time, and resources to church, community, friends, and family.  Among her many close friends were the members of the “Widow Riders Rook Club” that met regularly at the members’ homes for convivial dinners and socializing.

Bettie was predeceased by her husband, William Van Smith; daughter, Barbara Ellen Nielsen, sister, Geraldine Landreth; brothers, Jessie Rothchild and James Rothchild.  Bettie is survived by her sons, Vick Smith of Oxford,  and Danny Smith and his wife Nancy of Alexandria, Virginia; five grandchildren and many great-grandchildren, nephews, and nieces.

Funeral services will be held at the Waller Funeral Home Chapel on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016, at 2 p.m. with Rev. Bill Barksdale officiating. Burial will follow in the family plot at Oxford Memorial Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.

Memorial donations in Bettie’s memory may be directed to the St. Andrews United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 6, Oxford, MS 38655.

For additional information or to sign an online guestbook, visit our website at www.wallerfuneralhome.com or call 662-234-7971.