With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of our mother, Betty Jean Mincey Smith, 85, of Long Branch, NJ, who entered into rest on Friday, August 29, 2025. She was born on March 15, 1940, to the late John Henry and Ella Ronnie Mincey in Evans County, Georgia.
Ms. Betty, BJ, Ms. Smith, or BB, as she was affectionately known, was a woman of great strength and was known for her sarcastic comments. She dedicated her life to many trades and, as she would say, “a master of none,” and worked for the Long Branch City School District for over twenty-five years. During those years, Betty worked in several capacities, but the office she was most fond of was the classroom, where she worked with children in special education. She was patient and worked effectively with children who had learning and behavioral disabilities. She was respected by both her peers and the children and families she served.
Her hobbies included gardening, fishing, playing her favorite electronic games, or simply sitting on the front porch watching people pass by. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and more, who found immense joy in spending time with her family.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband, James L. Smith; her sisters, Ruthie Mae Edwards and Geraldine Jacobs; honorary sons, David Lee and Alphonso Covin; and her furry companion, Puppy.
Betty leaves to cherish her memories son, Ronnie Deville Smith of Lakewood, NJ; daughters, Teila Smith of Long Branch, NJ, Kimberly Smith of Lansdale, PA; and honorary children: Freddie (Sandy) Jordan of Neptune, NJ, Forrest Covin of Asbury Park, NJ, Willie Covin of Cumberland County, NJ, Horatio (Carissa) Covin of Long Branch, NJ, Myra (Anthony) Eversley of Raleigh, NC, and Kyrone Harmon of Trenton, NJ; brother, John Henry (Isabelle) Mincey Jr of Kingman, AZ; sister, Barbara Costen of Toledo, OH; as well as a host of grandchildren, great- grandmother, nephews, nieces, and cousins.
