Bettye Sue Rogers Smith, 88

October 6, 1937 – June 17, 2026

Bettye Sue Rogers Smith, 88, resident of Ripley, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, following an extended illness.

Family and friends will gather to celebrate and honor her life during a graveside service at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, 2026, in Ripley City Cemetery with Bro. Joe Spencer officiating. Visitation will be held from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m. in the Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral Home.

Born on October 6, 1937, in Kossuth, Mississippi, Bettye was the daughter of the late George and Lilla Mae Follin Rogers. She was a proud graduate of Kossuth High School and a Baptist, whose life was grounded in family, hard work, and kindness.

Anyone who knew Bettye knew she had a passion for basketball. As a standout player for the Kossuth Aggies, she became famous for her left-handed hook shot and her competitive spirit. Her talent on the court earned her an invitation to play for the legendary Red Heads professional women’s basketball team. Yet, when her mother’s health began to fail, Bettye chose to remain close to home and care for her family. It was a decision that reflected the kind of woman she was—one who always put the people she loved before herself.

Her love for the game never faded. Bettye continued playing basketball with the Memphis Park Commission for forty-two years and was inducted into the Memphis Park Basketball Hall of Fame in 1985. She remained an avid Memphis basketball fan throughout her life and could often be found cheering on her favorite team.

While basketball was one of her passions, her greatest joy was her family. An excellent cook, she was happiest when preparing food for those she loved. She also enjoyed playing the piano and filling her home with music. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren held a special place in her heart, and she treasured every moment spent with them.

Those left to cherish her memory include her daughters, Denise Barkley of Ripley and Renee Murphy of Somerville, Tennessee; her grandchildren, Christin Warlick, Lauren Smith, Trey Yates, and Tyler Barkley; her great-grandchildren, Sidney, Nathan, Gabby, Izzy, Brentley, and Benji; her stepson, David Smith (Denise) of Olive Branch; her niece, Conchita Brown; her nephews, Keith Leird and Billy Rogers, Jr.; and her dear friends, Phil and Suzie Schoffner, who brought much joy and companionship to her life.

She was welcomed into Heaven by her parents; her brother, Billy Rogers; her sisters, Ruth Leird and I’Lav Duncan; her husband, Gene Smith, her beloved grandson, Ben Yates; and her son-in-law, Billy Bob Barkley.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Tyler Barkley, Phil Schoffner, Billy Rogers, Jr., Anthony Thomas, and Tony Gooch.

Bettye lived a full and remarkable life. She was a gifted athlete, a devoted mother and grandmother, a loyal friend, and a woman whose strength and selflessness touched countless lives. Her legacy will live on through the family she loved so deeply and through the many memories shared by those fortunate enough to know her. Though she will be greatly missed, her love, laughter, and unwavering spirit will never be forgotten.

Ripley Funeral Home invites family and friends to share memories and condolences with the Smith family.

Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.

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Visitation

Saturday
June 20, 2026
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral Home (Ripley)

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Graveside Service

Saturday
June 20, 2026
3:30 PM
Ripley City Cemetery (Ripley)