Betty McCleskey Smith, 82, of Woodstock, Georgia, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family and under the compassionate care of Wellstar Hospice at Kennestone Mountain Tranquility.

Born July 5, 1944, in Woodstock, Georgia, Betty was the daughter of Samuel Elgin McCleskey and Helen Agnes Odom.

Betty lived a life filled with people, laughter, hard work, and plenty of personality. She was a self-employed beautician for more than 55 years and owned Little River Beauty Salon. But for Betty, doing hair was about much more than making someone look beautiful. Her salon was a place for friendship, conversation, laughter, stories, and connection. She genuinely loved people, and as anyone who knew her could tell you, Betty never met a stranger.

She knew how to enjoy life. Betty loved square dancing, which she enjoyed for more than 30 years, traveling, trips to the casino, shopping, watching Lifetime movies, and—perhaps most of all—being around people. She had a way of making conversation wherever she went and leaving an impression on the people she met.

Betty was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Silvey Junior Smith (JR) and daughter, Kimberly Jane Baker; and her parents, Samuel Elgin McCleskey and Helen Agnes Odom.

She is survived by her daughters, Tammy Parker and Nancy Copeland, and 10 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, along with family and friends whose lives were touched by her during her 82 years.

Her family will remember much more than the milestones of her life. They will remember her smile, her stories, her strength, her unmistakable personality, and the countless little moments that made her simply Mom, Nana, Grandma, Sister, and Friend.

A life of 82 years cannot be summed up in a few paragraphs. Betty's legacy lives on in the family she loved, the friendships she made, the people who sat in her salon chair over the decades, and all those who were fortunate enough to cross her path. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.