Betty Smith Bigham, 82, a resident of Athens, Tennessee, passed away on Monday February 20, 2017. She was born May 22, 1934 to the late William Port and Juna Simpson Smith. Betty graduated with her Bachelor's degree from Tennessee Wesleyan and her Master's degree from Tusculum College. She used her education and gave back to the community as a librarian, teacher, and active leader of the Junior Beta Club at Mountain View Elementary School and McMinn Central High School for over 30 years. She was an active member of St. Paul United Methodist church in Etowah for over 40 years. Betty enjoyed mentoring children of all ages, especially her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by siblings, George, Houston, and Hoyt Smith, and Juanita Humphrey.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory, two loving daughters, Myra McCulloch, of Athens, TN, and Celia Bissen of Wetmoreland, KS; grandchildren, Megan Hamm (Russell), Reid, Mitch, and Shelby Bissen; great-grandchildren, Hayden and Kylee Hamm; sister, Shelby Massingale (David); ex-husband, William Bigham, as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, and extended family.

A celebration of life memorial service is planned for 7:00 p.m. Friday, February 24, 2017 at Bordwine Funeral Home located at 203 Ohio Avenue, Etowah, TN. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday prior to the service.

A committal service will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2017 at Jones Chapel UMC at 10:00 a.m.