Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

August 15, 2024

CHARLOTTE - Elizabeth “Betsy” Smith White passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 15, 2024. Born in Charlotte in 1938, she was the daughter of the late Samuel Wilson and Betty Gudger Smith and sister to the late Dr. Samuel Wilson Smith, Jr. She was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, William A. “Bill” White, Jr.

Betsy was a beautiful blend of her parents – elegant and gracious like her mother, affable and extroverted like her father. She embraced life with passion, joy and eternal optimism. With sparkling blue eyes, signature bright lipstick and a warm, welcoming smile, she put anyone she met at ease. She was an innately kind soul who lived out her faith by the love and care she bestowed on others.

Betsy attended Charlotte public schools, except for a memorable year at Charlotte Country Day School, where she was the only girl in the 7th grade. She graduated from Myers Park High School in Class of 1955 (the first class to complete all four years) and then from her beloved Sweet Briar College in 1959. A lifelong learner and an ardent advocate for education, Betsy remained supportive of and engaged in these schools throughout her life.

At 22, Betsy married Bill White (an “older man” of 31!) and they created a loving partnership committed to family, service and giving. The addition of three daughters in three and a half years kept them hopping and brought them much joy. “The White House” was filled with laughter, dear friends and music. As mother to three girls, Betsy stressed the importance of “ladylike behavior” while also exemplifying female leadership through her volunteer work. She served on the Sweet Briar College Board of Directors and became the first woman to chair the Board of Trustees at Charlotte Country Day School. She was committed to serving others, whether as an elder at Myers Park Presbyterian Church or through the many non-profit organizations she loved, particularly the Junior League of Charlotte, Crisis Assistance Ministry and Good Friends. She also enjoyed her involvement with the Charlotte Debutante Club, Colonial Dames, Brevard Music Center, book clubs and her beloved SOCs.

The role Betsy adored most was that of “Nana” to her six grandchildren. She was intentional about providing special times for the family to be together; the grandchildren’s deep affection for her and each other is a direct result of her thoughtful efforts. Whimsical, creative and open-minded, Betsy was passionate about introducing them to her favorite books, places and music. She delighted in sharing Mozart & Chopin, Ella Fitzgerald & Dionne Warwick, Rodgers & Hammerstein & The Beach Boys, Puccini & ABBA, just to name a few. Her children and grandchildren all credit her for their own varied taste and deep love of music. “What would life be, without a song or dance, what are we?”

Betsy’s long journey with dementia diminished her abilities, but could never suppress her precious spirit. We are grateful to have loved and been loved by her. Always.

Betsy is survived by her three daughters; Elizabeth White Dickens (Al), Margaret White Black (Robert) and Katherine "Katie" White Willingham (Rob). “Nana” was adored by her beloved six grandchildren, Bess Dickens Kelpin (Peter), Al Dickens IV (Courtney), Kate Willingham Boyle (Patrick), Amelia Willingham (Manuel Delmonte), Bobby Black (Mary Helen) and Betsy Black, and four great grandchildren, Sybil and Eloise Kelpin and Jay and Dupree Dickens. In addition, Betsy is survived by her sister-in-law, Lee Simmons Smith, her nephews and niece, Sam Smith III, Will Smith (Kristin) and Susan Smith deHoll (Doug), and eight great nieces and nephews.

The family is profoundly grateful for Betsy’s beloved caregivers, Kornor,Yassah, Shamara, Phyllis, Beatrice and Delores, who greatly enhanced and extended her life with their loving care, and for the kind and compassionate staff and residents of The Sharon.

A worship service in celebration of Betsy’s life will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, September 16, 2024, at Myers Park Presbyterian Church, 2501 Oxford Place, Charlotte, NC. A reception will follow in Oxford Hall. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial to Crisis Assistance Ministry, WDAV Classical Public Radio or Myers Park Presbyterian Church.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com