Betty Sue (Canup) Smith

Mrs. Betty Sue (Canup) Smith, age 91, of Clermont, Georgia, passed away Monday, February 8, 2021 at The Ashton Senior Living Facility.

Mrs, Smith was born June 15, 1929 in Helen, Georgia.    

Private family graveside services will be held Tuesday, February 9, 2021. 

Preceded in death by her loving husband of 66 years Henry “Hank” Smith, Jr, her parents Lou Emma (Harrison) and Sam Canup, sisters, Lera Miller, Eva Griffin, & Margaret Deaton and brothers Curtis Canup and Buddy Canup.

Survivors include her sons Ron Smith (Gaye) and Mike Smith, grandchildren Jennifer Cagle (Scott), Chad Smith (Sallie), Kirklyn Wilson (Rod), & Tonya Archer (Brandon); great grandchildren Aidan Smith, Landon Smith, Wes Tadman, Hannah Tadman, Jax Wilson, Peyton Archer, Bryson Archer, Kayla Archer, & Taylor Archer.

Betty Sue Smith was an influencer. She believed with her whole heart that Jesus saved her soul when she was 19 years old as her husband led her to the Lord one night, and she spent her life wanting to pass that along to others. From keeping children to teaching Sunday School at church, her mission field was investing in the lives of the kids she cared for daily. She often told us of purchasing Bibles to give out so that her students would have their own copy of God’s Word. In her words, “what you leave behind is what you give away”. She loved to give selflessly.

She loved her family well, sharing many well-known recipes at birthday dinners and family cookouts. She would plan and prepare weeks in advance, excited to get her family together for a meal. If you ever had a meal with Nana, you would remember it…not only for the food, but for the love you felt.  She loved to share in that way.

She had a spunk about her that we all learned from. She never missed the chance to take a trip to Amish country or take her grandkids to the beach.  Her view was that family was always first and she would tell us often not to work so hard that we missed taking trips or spending time together. She certainly lived this out as evidenced by her many photo albums packed with pictures of adventures with Paw Paw. Nana had a long list of friends she loved to call on the phone and catch up with and never missed sending a card for your birthday or anniversary.

Although she never won the Publisher’s Clearing House sweepstakes after entering it for many many years, she always held onto the hope that anything is possible.  She taught us all that goals were good things and consistency in something you believed in was important. Her advice was always spot on and welcomed, her coffee pot ready for a visit. She believed with her whole heart that the best thing to do was to “just give it to the Lord and don’t worry about it anymore. It will be alright.”   She prayed for her family and friends daily and never missed the chance to point others to Christ.  Though she will be missed by many, her legacy will live on in the hearts and lives of all those she touched and who lovingly called her “Nana”. 

Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel 989 Riverside Drive Gainesville, GA. For those who wish online condolences at www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com .