Elizabeth Anne "Betty" Smith

On April 1, 2025, Elizabeth Anne Smith, better known as “Betty”, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family. Born on March 10, 1934, in Valley Lee, MD, she was the loving daughter of the late Myrtle Frances Owens Russell and Charles Henry Russell. A native of St. Mary’s County, MD, she attended Little Flower School, St. Mary’s Academy and was a graduate of Great Mills High Class of 1952. She continued her education, as time was permissible, at the Community College of Southern Maryland advancing her skills in business management. In 1953 Betty began living the life of a military spouse traveling and making friends in many states across the U.S. In 1955, she began the role of Motherhood and had four children consuming every precious moment of free time as children do. In 1969, Betty returned to St. Mary’s County and began a career at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, at that time better known as the Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship. Her pride, her dedication, and diligent support to the Union advanced her from an entry level position to retirement in 2003 as a SIU Port Agent Assistant. The Union acknowledged Betty as one of the highest respected employees and a genuine asset to the Mariners. Retirement was filled with travel, leaving monies at the Casino, cuddling with her dachshund, Scooter, while reading a book, jigsaw and crossword puzzles and social networks. Betty’s pride and joy was spending time with her family from large gatherings to a simple ice cream with her best- bud Leroy. Betty is survived by her children David George Smith Jr. of Los Angeles, CA., Sharon Lee Eglinton of Leonardtown, MD., Gary Eugene Smith of Poor Valley, TN., Terri Lynn Hoffman of Hollywood, MD. She is also survived by her brothers John Henry Russell of Spokane, WA., Joseph Leroy Russell of Avenue, MD., Francis Patrick Russell of Hollywood, MD. and her sisters Charlotte Ann Ekster of Holland, MI and Rita Ann Pegg of Hollywood, MD. She was blessed with nine grandchildren Cynthia Lorraine Babbinger, Katrina Elizabeth Davis, Gary “J.R.” Eugene Smith Jr., Ryan William Eglinton, Robin Nicole Cole, Jenna Blair Reed, Kyle Joseph Smith, Lindsey Marie Hoffman and Lawrence “L.J.” Alvin Hoffman Jr. and a great grandmother to seventeen. Betty was predeceased by her sisters Mary Rose Watson, Mary Lorraine Voellinger, and Margaret Cecelia Creighton, her brothers Charles Benedict Russell, James Theodore Russell, Francis Raymond Russell, and Paul Raymond Russell. The family will receive friends on Friday, April 11, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM with prayers recited at 7:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD. Where a Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 10:00 AM with Pastors Peggy and Frank Clinton of Lexington Park, MD., officiating. Interment will follow in Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, MD. Serving as Pallbearers Patrick Russell, Jeffrey Guy, Paul Burch, Joseph Cole, L.J. Hoffman, Chuck Davis, and Todd Evans. Honorary Pallbearers Ryan Eglinton, and SIU Paul Hall Maritime Center Cadets. A life celebration luncheon will be held at the Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Heart Association or the National Kidney Foundation. Condolences may be made to the family at www.mgfh.com. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home and Cremation Services, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.