Betty Powell Smith

Betty P. Smith, 96, of Liberty passed away January 15, 2026 at the Hospice Home in Burlington. She was born May 17, 1929 in Person County, a homemaker and a member of Baynes Baptist Church. She resided most of her life on Prospect Church Road in Caswell County before moving to Alamance County nine years ago to live with her daughter. She is the daughter of the late Locket & Mable Clayton Powell and the wife of the late Julian (Jule) Harrelson and the late Garland Smith. She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Bonnie Brandon; She was the last of twelve siblings that include, Clara Ashley, Alma Gunter, Jessie Mae Piner, Hubert Powell, George Powell, Carrie Lee Shotwell Lemuel Powell, Bobby Powell, Samuel Powell & Faye Pope.

Mama was known for extending a welcoming heart for her neighbors and community. She enjoyed making her famous chocolate pie, German chocolate cake, ham biscuits and green beans. You always knew there would be a place on her sun porch to visit and share your laughter or your tears. She loved Baynes Baptist Church and her community

She is survived by a daughter Julia Rierson (Rollin); stepdaughter, Nancy Fennell: grandchildren, Julian Rierson (Suzy), Kara Smith (Jordan), Step Grandchildren, Jeff Jobe, Tracy Alcorn (Ron); 4 great grandchildren and one step great grandchild.

A graveside service to celebrate her life will be held 11:00 AM Monday at Baynes Baptist Church Cemetery by Pastor Todd Martin. The family will receive friends at the Church from 10:00 to 11:00 prior to the service. Following the service, there will be a gathering of family and friends in the Church Lighthouse.

The family requests that memorials be made to Baynes Baptist Church, 1757 Baynes Road, Burlington, NC 27217 or Authoracare Hospice, 914 Chapel Hill Road,  Burlington, NC 27215.

It is with gratitude and much love to the family, friends, and community for the support and kindness for mama during her life. Thank you, Baynes Baptist Church, for the teaching and encouragement in her faith. We will always remember- Caswell Strong!

Julia Rierson and family