MEMORIAL RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, God in His Infinite Wisdom has called Betty L. Smith, most beloved citizen, to her eternal reward on March 6, 2018; and
WHEREAS, This august body has been informed of her passing by the Honorable Carrie M. Austin, Alderman of the 34th Ward; and
WHEREAS, Betty, born on February 5, 1942 in Sandhill, Mississippi, was a devoted daughter of the late Dolly Mae Turnage and the late Sam Stewart. Believing in the value of education, Betty's parents enrolled her at the Piney Wood's Junior College, an all-Black boarding school considered to be an academic oasis in rural Mississippi. Upon her graduation, Betty relocated to Chicago, IL, leaving the comfort of home to forge a life of her own and further her education. She earned a certification as a respiratory Technician/Therapist and certificate in non-profit management from Roosevelt University; and
WHEREAS, Betty met the love of her life, (the late) Vannish E. Smith, her adored husband of 47 years. They were blessed with two daughters, Vanessa and Valerie. Family was the center of Betty's life. She was a nurturing, caring, and doting mother with strong morals, believing that family fellowship was important and education was essential; and
WHEREAS, Betty accepted Christ at an early age and a longtime member of Chatham-Avalon Church of Christ. She shepherded her children through dedicated service to their church and becoming a faithful servant of God. She embraced the Pastor's teaching and enjoyed the music of the choir; and
WHEREAS, While employed as a respiratory specialist at various hospitals, including Presbyterian-St. Luke (now Rush) hospital, Betty became acutely aware of the countless Black men dying of HIV. But more alarming to her was that these patients were alone with no support. It was then she founded the "South Side Help Center (SSHC), a non-for-profit community base organization, with the goal of educating African American religious community on HIV/AIDS in order to negate the stigma...
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