Bettie Blakely Smith, 88, of Columbia, South Carolina, passed away November 19, 2024 at Prisma Health Richland in Columbia, SC.

She was born on October 20, 1936 in Andrews, South Carolina to William Needom Blakely, Sr. and Bessie Odelia Cooper Blakely.

She spent some time with her grandmother, “Della” Cooper, after her mother passed away, before going to Epworth Children’s Orphanage with her brothers and sisters.

Bettie married William McLaurin Smith, Jr. in 1954 and later became the mother to Samuel Richard Smith. Bettie lost her husband after a 26 year marriage and then began her journey as “Gamie.”

Bettie later became known as Gamie to all of her grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren.

Gamie was an animal lover and had many cats and dogs over the years. She also had a career of over 20 years at Kmart.

She loved to cook and was known for her sweet tea, potato salad, deviled eggs, salmon patties, rutabaga, and german chocolate cake.

She is survived by her son Samuel Richard Smith, 6 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild, with an additional grand and great grand on the way.

We will miss you dearly Gamie and we all love you more than a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck.

A graveside service will be held at Greenlawn Memorial Park off of Leesburg Rd. at 1:00pm on Wednesday, November 27, 2024.