Betty Ilene Brownson Jones Smith

Betty Ilene Brownson Jones Smith, 96, of Wellington, died Saturday, October 10, 2020, at home surrounded by family. Born on July 14, 1924 in Ashland, she was the daughter of the late Franklin and Ruth (nee Brown) Brownson. Betty was a 1942 graduate of Ashland High School and a 1945 graduate of Mount Sinai School of Nursing. Following graduation, Betty served in the United States Cadet Nurse Corps during World War II.

Betty’s nursing career included working at Crile Hospital in Cleveland, Kettering Hospital in Loudonville, Wellington Hospital, Weber’s Nursing Home, Private Duty Nursing, and Lorain County Board of MRDD group homes. She owned and operated Smith Haven Group Home along with her husband, Pete, for many years. The Del-Bee Root Beer Stand was a fun venture at county fairs for several years.

Family, and especially babies, were everything to her. Betty enjoyed her many trips to Mississippi for Jones reunions to spend time with much loved family there. She also loved her trips to visit her many Amish friends. Betty enjoyed feeding large groups and was famous for her chicken and noodles, molasses crinkles, and Mrs. Henley’s Cowboy Cookies. She enjoyed giving away her crocheted dish cloths folded up with French mints inside. Her greatest joy was helping anyone she could, whenever she could, in any way she could. She spent her last 18 years living back in Wellington at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Laura and Tim Butti.

She was an active member of the Wellington First United Methodist Church and a former member of the Ohio Eastern Star. Betty was a Gold Star Mother, a girl scout leader, and a realtor.

She leaves behind her children, Teara Buren of West Salem, daughter-in-law Patti Jones of Ashland, Trudy (Jim) Frames of Ashland, Angelia Daves of Greenwood, MS, Tonya (Bryan) Smith of Homerville, Susanne Rollins of Wellington, Debby Riffle of Newport News, VA, Leslie (Tim) Simonson of Wellington, John (Jane) Jones of Shelby, Laura (Tim) Jones Butti of Wellington, and Philip (Caroline) Jones of Troy, VA; 30 grandchildren; 46 great grandchildren and 17 great, great grandchildren. Betty is also survived by a brother, Walter (Edith) Brownson of Ashland, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and “adopted” family.

She was preceded in death by two wonderful husbands, Eslie Jones in 1966 and Delbert “Pete” Smith in 2002; sons, Davis and David Jones; daughter, Bonnie Jones; granddaughter Megan Butti; great-grandsons Hunter Moherman and Pierson Riffle; sons-in-law Don Buren and Charles Daves; and siblings, Robert (Louise) Brownson, Miriam Brownson, Mary Lou Spicer and James (Peg) Brownson.

A private family graveside service will be held at Greenwood Cemetery. A webcast of the service will be made available beginning at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, October 14 at www.eastmanfuneralhome.com. A public memorial service will be held at a later date. Donations in Betty’s memory may be directed to The First United Methodist Church of Wellington, Well-Help, Inc., or the Vietnam Veterans Memorial of Lorain County in Amherst. The family wishes to extend sincere gratitude to the New Life Hospice team, Dr. Mistry and staff, and Pastor Paul Wilson for their compassion, care, kindness shown towards them and Betty. She was also blessed with many wonderful caregivers, especially granddaughter Liz Gugliemotto who was by her side for many years providing dedicated, loving care. Condolences for Betty’s family can be given at: www.eastmanfuneralhome.com.

Family and friends are invited to a memorial service being held in her honor on Sunday, July 11, 2021 at 3:00 pm at Wellington’s First United Methodist Church, 127 Park Place, Wellington. Burial has taken place at Greenwood Cemetery. 

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