Betty Lou Peabody-Smith, beloved matriarch and lifelong Cabool native, treasured Cabool Christian Church and local community member, passed away November 9th, 2023, at Kabul Nursing Home in Cabool, Missouri. Betty was 93 years old.

Betty Lou (nee White) was born on Christmas Eve in 1929 to her dear parents, Faye (nee Smith) White-Apperson and Thomas White, of Cabool, Missouri.  Betty was blessed with wonderful siblings; and all four kids happily and lovingly remained close their entire lives. Betty Lou is the last of the four White children to be called Home; and in this, her remaining family finds joy in knowing that "Granny" has found peace and homecoming with those that have gone on before her. She walks with her family and friends in love and light, after a long and very full life lived in joy - for family, community, and Christ.

Betty Lou was known for her very big spirit in a very little frame, her strength in her devotion, and her positivity and vitality. Her younger and middle years saw a loving Christian family woman, with hearth and home her devotions. Later, as her family spread out and as life brought many changes, Betty always adapted with dignity, cheer, and a natural strength and charm. Through her travels and experiences, Betty's bright, inquisitive nature brought her many treasured adventures and memories that she loved to share. She was capable of true acceptance, forgiveness, and always sought the light in conversation and conduct. Her kindness and eternal love for her family, as well as her gentle yet firm strength and reminders, will be carried by them always.

Betty praised God in all corners of her life and His light guided her through many joys and incredible losses, including her two very beloved sons, Ron and Eckle, and both of her loving husbands, Gene Peabody, and Dave Smith. She is proudly survived by her devoted family, who will honor and remember her always. Betty loved her hometown; her church, her longtime Cabool bowling league, and later, her cheerful walking club. She served her community as a wonderful nurse, and friend, to those in the care of Kabul Nursing Home.

She will always be known for her quick laughter and spark, and her sweet smiles and firm hugs. Her legacy is a treasure of happy memories and times spent gathered together in her cozy and pleasant homes which she tended so thoughtfully. She loved her family and encouraged their cheerful and jovial natures. She also encouraged honesty, sincerity, and kindness. Her family and community will always be grateful for her devoted and gentle spirit. She will be forever pictured seated at her piano, playing heavenly hymns and carols; as well as cheerily hosting warm, family get-togethers with everyone gathered around her fried chicken dinners. Her beautiful spirit passing is a great loss to her family.

Betty peacefully received grace on November 9th 2023, in her hometown of Cabool. Her family laid her to rest in Cabool Cemetery, beside her loyal and loving son, Ronald; his father and Betty's first cherished husband, Everett Eugene "Gene" Peabody; and her final and beloved husband, David Dale Smith. Betty is and will always be loved, honored, remembered, and deeply missed.

Interment was in the Cabool Cemetery under the direction of Elliott-Gentry-Carder Funeral Home of Cabool, MO.  Online condolences may be made at www.egcfuneralhome.com.

Memorials:

Gifts in remembrance of Mrs. Betty Peabody Smith will be gratefully received for the ongoing care of her community's cemetery and may be sent to the Cabool Cemetery Fund, PO Box 708, Cabool, MO, 65689 or online here at the memorial donations tab below.

Services to be held at a later date