Georgia Bulletin

The Newspaper of the Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta

Sister Betty Smith, OP, dies February 11 

Published March 2, 2023

SINSINAWA, Wis.—Sister Betty Smith, OP, died Feb. 11, at the Dominican motherhouse, Sinsinawa, Wisconsin. Her religious name was Sister Erneste. The funeral Mass was held at the motherhouse, Sinsinawa, Feb. 20, followed by burial in the Motherhouse Cemetery. 

Sister Betty Smith, OP

Sister Betty made her first profession as a Dominican Sister of Sinsinawa Oct. 6, 1959, and her perpetual profession Oct. 6, 1964. She served in the culinary arts for nine years and taught for 20 years. Sister Betty ministered as chaplain for five years and in pastoral care for 15 years. She loved people and shared her faith day by day with all whom she encountered.  

Sister Betty would say to everyone, “Jesus loves you. He told me so.” She served in Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri, South Carolina, the District of Columbia and Georgia. 

In the Archdiocese of Atlanta, Sister Betty taught at St. Paul of the Cross, Atlanta, 1983-1986. 

Sister Betty was born June 13, 1939, in Washington, D.C., the daughter of George and Pearl (Smith) Smith. Her parents and a brother, Ernest Jack Smith, preceded her in death. She is survived by nieces and her Dominican Sisters with whom she shared 63 years of religious life. 

Memorials may be made to the Sinsinawa Dominicans, 585 County Road Z, Sinsinawa, WI, 53824-9701 or at www.sinsinawa.org/donate online.