Betty Jean Smith Wey

Betty Jean Smith Wey Lakeland - Betty Jean Smith Wey of Lakeland, FL, entered into eternal rest at home surrounded by her loving family on June 17, 2015. She has been a resident of Lakeland since 1977 when her husband was transferred here with Publix Supermarkets. Betty was born November 15,1924, at home in Seelyville, IN, Vigo County, the oldest child of Robert Wayne Smith, a teacher, principal, and farmer, and Mary Ellis, a homemaker. She attended the Glenn school from first through twelfth grades and graduated from Glenn High School where her father was the principal. Betty married Leslie Edward Wey (Lek) on June 6, 1942. He joined the United States Army and fought in World War II, while she supported the war effort in a defense factory in Terre Haute, IN, making radio tubes used in communications. They were married for 58 years and enjoyed many wonderful years with their family at their cabin on Gingercake Mountain in North Carolina. Betty was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and aunt. She said "family always comes first" and it was a motto she lived by. She kept up with her family on Facebook and always remembered everyone's birthday or special occasion. Betty and Lek were always avid sports fans and loved attending Atlanta Braves games, golf tournaments, and held season tickets to Florida Southern basketball games where they were members of the Sixth Man Club. Betty is survived by her five children, Mary Ruth "Ruthie" (David) Duncan, Bradenton, FL and Fleetwood, NC, Christopher Leslie (Janie) Wey, Lakeland, FL and Banner Elk, NC, Michael Wayne (Pamela) Wey, Lakeland, FL and Collettsville, NC, Sally Jo Wey, Fleming Island, FL, Sherri Elaine (Stuart) Rakestraw, Nashville, TN. Eight grandchildren-David Andrew (Jennifer) Duncan, Sr., Bogart, GA, Zachary Michael (Lindy) Duncan, Lakeland, FL and Cortez, FL, Michele Leslie (Dave) Layton, Cumming, GA, Dr. Christopher Leslie (Dr. Jinann) Wey II, Naples, FL, Amanda Jean (Dave) Fountain, Fleming Island, FL, Alyson Pamela Walker, Fleming Island, FL, Robert Ryan (Tabitha) Stagman, Lakeland, FL, Joseph Alexander (Halley Brea) Stagman, Nashville, TN. Nine great grandchildren, Caroline Mae and David Andrew Duncan, Jr., Bogart, GA, Phoenix and Jules Wey, Naples, FL, Bree and Blake Layton, Cumming, GA, Owen David, Madilyn Grace, and Kylie Jean Fountain, Fleming Island, FL. Betty is also survived by one sister Agnes Lorraine Moles, Terre Haute, IN, and one brother, James Robert Smith, Terre Haute, IN, one niece Barbara Jean Goltry, Terre Haute, IN, and four nephews James Albert (Cheryl) Moles, Terre Haute, IN, Robert Carl (Carole) Smith, Houston, TX, Gary Joe (Mary) Smith, Aurora, CO, and Greg Smith, Bellingham, MA, and sister-in-law Betty Lou Fuqua, New Smyrna Beach, FL Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 20, at 10:00 am at Heath Funeral Chapel 328 South Ingraham Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33801 with a visitation one hour prior to service. Betty's grandsons will serve as pall bearers. The family would especially like to thank Comfort Keepers and Cornerstone Hospice for their loving support and care. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.heathfuneralchapel.com Service: 06/20/2015 Heath Funeral Chapel 328 South Ingraham Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33801 Heath Funeral Chapel Visitation: 06/20/2015 Heath Funeral Chapel