01/31/2025
Betty Faye O’Donnell Smelser, 85, of Center, Texas, passed away on January 30, 2025, surrounded by loved ones in her home. She was born on November 7, 1939, in Ruston, Louisiana, to Helen Faye Price O’Donnell and H.M. “Tarzan” O’Donnell.
Soon the young baby and her parents moved to Logansport, Louisiana, where she grew up with her many cousins, sisters, and members of the Price family. Betty graduated from Logansport High School in May of 1957. During her senior year she and fellow majorettes were passengers in a car following a football game when they were hit by a drunk driver. Betty had severe injuries, but she was determined to live and graduate – which she did after many surgeries and much therapy she entered Louisiana Tech in Ruston. There she met the love of her life, Lynwood Smelser and got her “Mrs” degree in 1959. Betty and Lynwood were married in Logansport and celebrated over 57 years together until Lynwood passed away in 2016.
Betty Faye was a woman who wore many hats. She was a wife, mother, sister, and a tireless worker. She stayed busy running houses and raising her two boys while her husband traveled for his government jobs. After “retiring” they moved to Center, Texas, and moved next door to her sister. She soon began working for her brother-in-law at Medico Pharmacy. Her greatest pleasure was helping people. Everyone was important to her. Many customers will remember that sweet smile when she greeted them. Betty went out of her way to deliver medicine to customers who could not drive. In her later years she enjoyed her backyard, which was filled with flowers, birds, and her hummingbirds. Betty was an avid fan of “her” Cowboys. She also loved her Astros, Rangers, and the Mavericks. She loved watching sports.
Betty will be missed by those who knew her. Most of all, we will miss her kindness, her laughter, and her ability to make the world seem good.
She is survived by:
Sons:
John Smelser of Center and girlfriend V J Jackson and daughters, Tori Smith and Jordan Jackson of Joaquin
Mark Smelser and wife Mandy of Troup
Grandson, Jake Smelser and girlfriend Haylee Hill of Tyler
Sisters:
Gene Minchew Allbright of Longview
Kathryn (KB) and Albert Axen of Center
Nephews:
Bert and Elizabeth Minchew of Plano
Blake and Candace Axen and their daughter Emery of Mansfield
Niece, Ava Axen of Center
Also a host of friends who loved Aunt Betty.
Her good friend and caregiver, Louella Sanders
Very Special Friend, Don “Beaver” Weaver
Faithful canine companion, Peaches
In remembrance of Betty’s life and love please consider making a donation to: Happy Tails Adoption Center and Animal Shelter, P O Box 1049, Center, Texas, 75935.
To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net. The family is being served by Mangum Funeral Home, Center, Texas.