Betty W. Smalley, age 91, of Swansea, South Carolina, passed away surrounded by family on the morning of April 21, 2025. Born on June 11, 1933, in Aiken County to Jones C. Whittle and Rosa Ola Garvin, Betty was a bit of everything to everyone.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Smalley; her step-son, Thomas D. Smalley, Jr.; and sons-in-law, David Bolin and Ray Silence.

Betty is survived by her children: Vic Workman (Carol), Rhonda Lybrand (Carl), Suzi McNeely (Gene), Tammi Bolin, Donald Smalley (Rachel), and Judy Silence. She was blessed with 21 grandchildren, who in turn blessed her with great-grandchildren, who then blessed her once more with great-great-grandchildren.

Another great-great-grandmother could have complained about the extra presents or “too many birthdays to remember,” but Betty couldn’t, or rather, was determined to remember them all, no matter how big her family grew.

She began as Betty, a woman with a sharp mind, a loving heart, and an unparalleled sense of stubbornness. But she became so much more.

She was Honey, the woman who, along with her husband, traveled from state to state in an old school bus, dancing the boxstep to Last Date by Floyd Cramer. 

She was Mama, the strong-willed woman who forgave flipped cars, prayed hard, and treasured her daughter’s notebooks.

And Grandma, who quickly became Grammy, the title that would follow her through the rest of her years. 

She was Grammy, the woman who helped her grandbabies run lemonade stands in her front yard, host tea parties in her living room, camp at craft fairs, and “teach” them how to sew.

Mama Betty, Aunt Betty, and Mrs. Betty to any soul who needed support, love, or just someone to be there.

She was a chemist, a hostess, a friend, a matriarch, a sister, a baker—even Barbie’s dressmaker—and a Mother to all, unwavering in her faith and determined in her path. Yet there are countless precious moments shared with Betty, with Mama, with Grammy that live on in your hearts. However you knew Betty, whatever role she played in your life, you're welcome here to celebrate and honor her memory.

Services will be held on Friday, April 25th, 2025, at 12:00pm at Thompson Funeral Home, 4720 Augusta Road, Lexington, SC, with entombment in Celestial Memorial Gardens in West Columbia, SC 29170.

Pallbearers will be Buddy Peterson, Charlie Dunlap, Shawn Snyder, Ian Jones, Austin Steen, and Shane Workman, with alternates Tyler Snyder and Tom Smalley III.

In lieu of flowers, bring yourself and your memories.