Bettie Smith

Bettie Torrence Smith, 90, went home to her heavenly father on May 12, 2025. A North Carolina native, she was born July 12, 1934, and grew up on Main Street in Davidson, just a few doors down from the beloved church she attended her whole life – Davidson United Methodist Church.

She is survived by her three children: Karen Smith Hart and her husband, Gary, of Denver; James Michael Smith and his wife, Jennifer, of Sheldon, SC; and Jeannie Smith Rogers and her husband, Eric, of Charleston. In addition, she is survived by six grandchildren: Lindsay Forster- Pritchard and her husband, Ben of Huntersville; Katherine (Katie) Patterson and her husband, Chad, of Newton Grove, NC; Stacey Moser and her husband, Cary, of Huntersville; J. Tyler Smith of Huntersville; Harrison Rogers of Raleigh; and Grayson Rogers of Charleston. She was blessed with four great-grandchildren: Hayden Kelly, Zoe Pritchard, Boone Moser and Avery Moser, all of Huntersville. She is also survived by her sisters Elizabeth Torrence Alexander and Odessa Torrence Archer, brother-in-law, Donald (Donnie) Smith and sister-in-law Mary Smith. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 61 years, James Edward Smith; parents, Conrad Graham Torrence and Rosa Lee Gant Torrence; in-laws James Ernest Smith and Coetta Hall Smith Norman; and sisters-in-law Gladys Smith Hauser and Bettie Jo Smith Linville.

Bettie loved Davidson. She loved to share her fond memories of growing up on Main Street and memories of when she was a teenager working at the Soda Shop which still stands today across from the college. Bettie was in the first graduating class of what is now North Mecklenburg High School where she was awarded the superlatives of “Miss High Miss” and “Most Intelligent”. She went on to graduate from the Woman’s College of UNC Greensboro studying accounting.

Bettie and her late husband, Jim, were avid sports fans, being founding seat license members for the Carolina Panthers and held season tickets for Davidson College Basketball for more than 50 years. They both dearly loved cheering on the Davidson Wildcats from their seats behind Coach McKillop. In addition, they loved supporting Appalachian State Athletics (Jim’s alma mater). In 2008, Appalachian’s baseball stadium was completed and named the “Jim and Bettie Smith Stadium” in honor of the pair.

Bettie was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, friend and neighbor. Her greatest joys were her family and her church. She enjoyed golf, expressing her talents through playing the piano and painting (which she enjoyed immensely).

Her children would like to extend their gratitude to the staff of the Wilson Wing at The Pines of Davidson/Healthcare, Amada Senior Care and Via Hospice of Charlotte who lovingly took care of Bettie.

Visitation will take place from 1 PM until 2 PM on Saturday, May 17 in the fellowship hall at Davidson United Methodist Church, 233 South Main Street, Davidson, NC. A celebration of life will immediately follow the visitation in the sanctuary of the church. A private burial will follow at Mimosa Cemetery in Davidson. Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home in Huntersville is serving the family.

The family asks that memorials be made to Davidson United Methodist Church or to Appalachian State University’s Baseball program.