Obituary of Bettie Mae Densmore

Bettie Mae Smiley Densmore was born on March 2, 1948, to Walter and Cleotha Smiley in Dallas County, Alabama. Bettie spent her formative years at Payne Elementary School and Graduated in 1966 from R.B. Hudson High School.

Bettie was a brilliant student and earned a full scholarship to Selma University. After completing 2 years she transferred to Alabama State University and graduated with honors in 1970.

Bettie began her teaching career shortly after graduation at Alabama Lutheran College. While there, she met a young minister named John Densmore. They married on March 24, 1972. To this union were born 3 children. After leaving Lutheran, Bettie continued her teaching career in the Selma City Public School System; first at Westside Middle School, then at Selma High school. Bettie retired in 1996 after 21 years of dedicated service.

Bettie was well known for her great sense of humor, her generous spirit, her love of cooking, and most especially building things. Anyone who knows her knows her favorite past time was not merely redecorating a room, but tearing down the walls, remodeling, and redesigning it!

Bettie transitioned to the next phase of her journey May 19 ,2022. She was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. John E Densmore; her parents, Walter and Cleotha Smiley; two sisters, Flora Jones and Lorena Killion; and one brother, Samuel Smiley. She leaves to mourn her earthly presence, her 3 children, Dianna (Orson) Ravenell, John Densmore, and Jennifer Densmore; six grandchildren, Kaden Densmore, Orson Ravenell II, Ian Blake Ravenell, Annsley Elizabeth Maeve Ravenell, Rayyan Abdul-Ali, and Yousef Abdul –Ali; three sisters, Pearl (Gable) Eugene, Queen (William) Jones, and Wilma Buckley; two brothers, Willie Smiley and Charlie Smiley; six sisters-in-law, Lillie Mae (Clarence) Cannady, Gloria Crocton, Shirley (Charles) Vaughn, Wanda Faye (David) Moore, Patricia (James) Smith, and Clementine Smiley; five brothers-in-law, Larry Densmore, Phillip (Cheryl) Densmore, James Densmore, Sr., Curtis Jones and Arthur Killlion; and her dedicated caregiver, Shawanna N Downing. Bettie also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends to cherish her memory.