BettyeLynn Smith

A gifted strategist, leader, and community advocate, BettyeLynn brought excellence to every role she held. She received a bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and a graduate degree in management from Biscayne College in Miami (now St. Thomas University). BettyeLynn was a Golden Life Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. After returning to Chattanooga in 2000, she joined Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprises, Inc. as Senior Vice President of Neighborhood Revitalization and Community Relations. In 2002, she was selected as Executive Director of Community Impact of Chattanooga, where her leadership helped transform seven urban neighborhoods through strategic partnerships and resident empowerment initiatives that strengthened communities and improved quality of life.

Throughout her distinguished career, BettyeLynn served in senior leadership positions in both the public and private sectors. Her accomplishments included managing the development of the Maclellan Shelter for Families, creating and managing the Inclusion By Design executive leadership program for the Urban League of Greater Chattanooga and establishing the Black Professionals at the Hunter for the Hunter Museum of American Art. Additionally, she held executive positions within private equity and venture capital firms, and served as Assistant Secretary of the District of Columbia. She was widely respected for her intelligence, vision, and ability to bring people together to achieve meaningful results.

Her commitment to service extended beyond her professional life. She held leadership roles with numerous civic and charitable organizations, including the City of Chattanooga General Pension Plan, Investment Committee of the Chattanooga Opportunity Fund, member of the Board of Directors/Trustees of the Lillian Colby Foundation, the Hunter Museum of American Art, the University of Chattanooga Foundation, the Memorial Healthcare System Foundation Board of Directors, the Bessie Smith Cultural Center, the Women's Fund of Greater Chattanooga, Chattanooga Symphony & Opera, United Way of Greater Chattanooga, the Urban League of Greater Chattanooga, and many others.

While her professional achievements were significant, BettyeLynn's greatest pride and joy was her family. Born in Chattanooga, to Hugh Lynn Smith and Bessie Thornhill Smith, she was the youngest of three daughters in a loving and close-knit family. As a devoted mother to Charles Edward “Chuck” Ashley III and Daphne Gay Ashley, she encouraged her children to explore the world, embrace adventure, and serve others. Her influence continues through the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

A devoted grandmother and great-grandmother, BettyeLynn treasured every opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments and milestones of those she loved. She was equally known for her ability to create family wherever she went, affectionately referring to many dear friends as her “family.”

BettyeLynn was preceded in death by her parents, Hugh Lynn Smith and Bessie Thornhill Smith; her sisters, Patricia Joyce Smith Caudle and Sylvia Juanita Smith Bone; her beloved son, Charles Edward Ashley III; and her bonus sister, Hazel Elizabeth Robinson Bowles.

She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted daughter, Daphne G. Ashley-Strong; bonus son Samuel Burrell “Timmy” Ashley; grandchildren Ashley Strong, Charles Ashley IV, Brandon Ashley, Jalyn Ashley Moore, and Lauren Hambrick; her niece and devoted caregiver, Vickye Bone; a host of loving great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

BettyeLynn lived boldly, led purposefully, and loved deeply. She left the world better than she found it, and her legacy of service, resilience, generosity, and devotion to family will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Well done, good and faithful servant. Your journey was extraordinary, your impact immeasurable, and your memory everlasting.

Public viewing will be held on Thursday, Aug. 20, from 2-6 p.m. at the funeral home.

The celebration of BettyeLynn's life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 21, at St. Paul Episcopal Church, 305 West 7th Street, Chattanooga.

Arrangements are entrusted to John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., Chattanooga, 423 622-9995.