Betty Jo Smith

Betty Jo Smith, 68, of Live Oak, FL, passed away peacefully at home on October 23, 2026. She was born in Lakeland, FL and a firm believer in our Lord Jesus Christ and taught all her babies that “Jesus Loves Me”.

She graduated from Kathleen High School in Lakeland, FL and was the proud owner of Betty’s Beauty & Barber of Live Oak, FL for many years and became a lifelong friend to all who sat in her chair. Her smile and laugh was highly contagious, always ready to tell a joke! You never left her presence without feeling loved and important to her. She was a holding. She was our “home”.

No matter where she went, she made it home and it was always warm, bright & colorful. You were always welcome to stay a while, especially at Christmas time.

A lover of the “Oldie, Goldie, Moldies” music, she’d say, while riding down back country roads to find 1900’s houses for photo ops and go spring-hopping around the Suwannee river in the summers. Oh what fun she was! Her favorite song to sing to us was “You Are My Sunshine”. She would start to sing it and then pause for us to sing along.

Hummingbirds, peacocks, & butterflies were her favorite, including nature walks, growing things, star & moon gazing on clear Milky Way nights, antiquing, sewing & crocheting, acrylic painting anywhere her creative mind would take her and dream-catcher making.

Her many gifts & interests she shared with all. She was very independent and strong. She taught us to be the same.

Nanny was a guiding light whose infectious laughter and warm embrace could brighten the darkest days. A truly artistic soul, she possessed a unique gift for finding humor in every situation and turning ordinary moments into cherished memories. She wasn’t just my Nanny, she was my Sunshine. She was my Sunflower.

She’ll be forever cherished in our hearts on earth and in heaven.

She is survived by her Mother, Zelma O’steen. Brothers, Lindsey (Carol) Smith & Rawleigh (Jean) Smith. Daughters, Jeanie (Tanner) Lytle, Ginger Evans, & Savannah (Aaron) Harrison. Grandchildren, Tannah (Dustin Hall) & Brylie Lytle & Jerry/JT, Dalton (Callie), Racheal, Jarred, & Leah Robertson. Justina Love & Charlie Love Evans, & Marie Harrison. Great-Grandchildren, Adalynn, Aiden, & Carter Robertson.

Also a bundle of nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends! She now joins her Father, Joel Smith, Brothers Buddy & Daniel Smith, and Sisters Dynelle Burns & Miriam Smith in eternity.

Precious Moma, this just doesn't feel right, not even a lick of sense, but we’ll learn to navigate this life without you somehow knowing you’ve earned your angel wings.

“Love you,you ol’ washing machine!"

“See you soon then!”

Ceremony Service to be announced on Jeanie Lytle's Facebook page. 

Please keep the family in your prayers and sign the online guestbook for Ms. Betty Jo.