Betty Lynn Smart passed away from complications of COVID-19 in Mount Pleasant, S.C., on January 15. Born on March 20, 1939, to parents Edward Franklin Berryman and Mamie Jane Cox-Berryman in Nettleton, Mississippi. Betty’s father worked for the Civil Service, so the family moved from Mississippi to Columbus, Georgia, where Betty’s dad worked at Fort Benning.

She is survived by daughters Sharon Hudson and husband, Carter, of Leesburg, Ga., Paula Holloway of Blackhawk, Colo., Bridgett Nolan and her wife, Leslie Busche, of Mount Pleasant, S.C., BJ Nolan of Lebanon, Tenn., and Bobbie Sue Smart and her husband, Tim Russell, of Sandy Hook; fourteen grandchildren; and twelve great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband, Robert “Bob” Smart; her beloved only son, Jimmy Nolan; grandsons Ryan Woodrich and Zack Gentry; brother, Edwin Joseph Berryman; and sisters Dr Jean B. Copland and Jane Owens.

She is survived by sisters Anna Faye Ingram of Panama City, Fla., Connie D. Irvin of Brooklyn Park, Minn., and Sarah Berryman of Pine Mountain, Ga.; and brother, Thomas Berryman of Palisade, Minn.

At the age of 16, Betty married Bill Nolan, a sergeant in the United States Army. Together they had five children: Paula, Sharon, Bridgett, Jimmy, and B.J. It was a time of many fond memories for Betty, especially the time spent in Germany where Bill was stationed.

After she and Bill divorced, Betty moved back to Columbus, Georgia, where she met her second husband, Bob. He was originally from Mississippi as well and had moved to Georgia when stationed at Fort Benning with the Army. The two met at the restaurant where Betty waitressed, soon married, and daughter Bobbie Sue quickly followed.

Betty and Bob bought property in Buena Vista, Ga., and in 1972 built a house and moved the family to the farm. Betty adapted to being a “farmer’s wife” and would ride the tractor with Bob, help feed the cows, and can black-eyed peas to get through the winter. Betty was enormously proud of their beautiful farm although she remained a “Columbus” girl at heart.

After Bob passed, Betty moved to Mount Pleasant, S.C., to be near her daughter Bridgett. After downsizing to a condo, she enjoyed sitting on her screened porch, waving to her neighbors, and having family visit. After her health declined, she moved to Somerby Assisted Living in Mount Pleasant, where the staff doted on “Miss Betty.”

Betty will be remembered for her creative soul. She took great pride in her painting and the many poems she wrote. A true lover of country music, she lived the words of many songs, both the happy and sad. Her favorite singer was Elvis Presley, so the next time an Elvis song comes on your radio, please turn it up, sing out loud, and think of Betty.

A family service will be held this summer. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Betty’s memory can be made to Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, COVID-19 Fund, 2601 East Chapman Avenue, Suite 204, Fullerton CA 92831.