Betty Bates Smith

Mrs. Betty Bates Smith, age 88, of Covington passed away on Saturday, August 10, 2019.  She was born at home in Newton County on February 17, 1931 to Ted and Phena Pennington Bates who have preceded her in death.  Mrs. Smith was a lifelong resident of Newton County and a 1948 graduate of Covington High School. She was raised Methodist and attended North Covington United Methodist Church for many years.  Mrs. Bates was the “Neighborhood Mom” as described by her son Ernie, and everyone’s “Baw Baw”.  Along with her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Ernest C. Smith, Jr. and her brother Charles Bates

Mrs. Smith is survived by her sons Ernie Smith and his wife Sharon of Covington, Ted Smith and his wife Darlene of Clarkesville, her grandchildren Amanda, Kim, Teddy, Ashleigh, and Abbey, along with numerous great grandchildren, her brother Fred Bates, and her sister-in-law Ruby Jean Bates, and many other family and close friends.

Funeral services for Mrs. Bates will be held at 11 o’clock Tuesday, August 13, 2019 at the Chapel of J.C. Harwell and Son Funeral Home.  Interment will follow at Bates Family Cemetery.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Monday, August 12, 2019 at the funeral home.  J.C. Harwell and Son Funeral Home, 2157 East Street, SE, Covington, GA 30014 is in charge of the arrangements.  A guest book may be signed on-line www.harwellfuneralhome.com.

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