Betty Jean DeLony Lee Smith, age 96, of Muscle Shoals passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 25, 2025. Visitation will be Monday, October 27, 2025, from 1:00 to 2:00 at Morrison Funeral Home Tuscumbia, with a funeral service at 2:00. Burial and a graveside service will immediately follow at Shady Grove Cemetery.
Betty was born April 30, 1929, and a lifelong resident of Colbert County. She graduated from Colbert County High School in 1947. She received her nursing degree from Muscle Shoals Technical Institute, serving as Class President of the first graduating class, October 31, 1967. Betty served her community with compassion as a nurse working at Helen Keller Hospital, Colonial Manor Hospital, and in the offices of Dr. Luckey, Dr. Trousdale, and retiring from the office of Dr. Robert L. Bailey.
Betty was a past member of Shady Grove United Methodist Church and current member of Muscle Shoals Baptist Church. She was strong in her faith continuing to attend weekly worship services at Keestone Assisted Living Facility until shortly before her death. Betty volunteered in various community organizations including the United Methodist Church and the Leighton Order of the Eastern Star.
With her unwavering support and unconditional love, Betty was the anchor of her family. Betty was a wonderful cook whose kitchen was the gathering place for every celebration and special occasion.
Betty was preceded in death by her mother Laura Hurley Anderson, her father Presley DeLony, brother Preston DeLony, sister Thelma Janice Wilkes, and son-in-law Larry Parker. She was twice widowed, preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, William Thomas Lee and her second Husband R.C. Smith.
Betty is survived by children Carol Parker and fiancé Jackie Walker, Sharon Austin and husband John Austin. Betty is survived by grandchildren, Scott Parker and wife Sherry, Jennifer Parker and partner William Goss, Jeff Austin and wife Melinda Morgan Austin, and Brent Austin and wife Rachael. Betty is survived by great grandchildren, Nickolas Parker and fiancé Aimee Sosbee, Breanna Parker, Brett Bennett and Maria Allen, Jesse Hamm and partner Michael Robison, Jon Brody Austin, Blakelyn Austin and Evan Austin.
The family wishes to express special appreciation to her loving care givers, Beth Horton, Jessica Reaves, Hallie Abernathy, Sky Bell, Kaylee Davis, Sailar Grissom, and Nikki Watkins who enriched her life and provided comfort to the family knowing all of her needs were met at all times. The family also appreciates accommodations made by Keestone Assisted Living.
Pallbearers will be Scott Parker, Nickolas Parker, Jeff Austin, Jon Brody Austin, Evan Austin and Brett Bennett. Honorary Pallbearers will be Brent Austin and Jesse Hamm. Pastor Coy Hallmark will officiate.
