HLS 10RS-2456 ORIGINAL
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Regular Session, 2010
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON NO. 117
BY REPRESENTATIVES GALLOT, DOWNS, AND FANNI N AND SENATOR
KOSTELKA
CONDOLENCES: Expresses condolences upon the death of Dr. Betty E. Smith of Ruston
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON1
To express sincere and heartfelt condolences upon the death of Dr. Betty E. Smith of2
Ruston.3
WHEREAS, it was with deep regret and profound sorrow that the members of the4
Legislature of Louisiana learned of the death of Dr. Betty E. Smith of Ruston on March 29,5
2010, at the age of eighty; and 6
WHEREAS, Dr. Smith was born on September 27, 1929, in Vernon, Louisiana, to7
Reverend P.A. Edmiston and Marjorie Edmiston; and8
WHEREAS, Dr. Smith earned her bachelor's degree in nursing from Northwestern9
University, her master's degree in nursing from Emory University, and her doctoral degree10
in nursing from the University of Southern Mississippi; and11
WHEREAS, Dr. Smith taught nursing at the University of Louisiana at Monroe from12
1967 to 1982; and13
WHEREAS, in 1983, Dr. Smith was instrumental in the establishment of the nursing14
program at Grambling State University, and she served with great distinction as dean of the15
College of Professional Studies until her retirement in 2006; and16
WHEREAS, Dr. Smith also worked for many highly productive years as a licensed17
practical nurse at the Thomas/Kimbell Clinic of Ruston, and she worked as a registered18
nurse at Lincoln General Hospital, Longleaf Nursing Home, and the Veterans Affairs19
Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia; and20 HLS 10RS-2456 ORIGINAL
HCR NO. 117
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WHEREAS, Dr. Smith was incredibly dedicated as a nurse and teacher to her1
patients, co-workers, staff, and students; and2
WHEREAS, Dr. Smith was a faithful member of Cornerstone Baptist Church in3
Ruston; and4
WHEREAS, Dr. Smith is survived by two daughters, Frances Hanna and husband5
Jimmie and Martha Ferguson and husband Jimmy; her brother, Joe Edmiston and wife6
Martha; her sister, Nelda Robison; her sister-in-law, Nancy Edmiston; four grandsons, Kevin7
Hanna, Chad Bates and wife Roxie, Allen Hanna and wife Catherine, and Dustin Ferguson;8
great-grandchildren, Cody and Daniel Hanna, Sarah Bates, and Spencer Duck; and an array9
of extended family members and friends; and10
WHEREAS, Dr. Smith was preceded in death by her father, Reverend P.A.11
Edmiston, and mother, Majorie Edmiston; and12
WHEREAS, with the death of Dr. Smith, Louisiana has lost one of her finest citizens;13
and 14
WHEREAS, Dr. Smith, who was admired by all whose lives she touched, leaves15
behind a rich and unique legacy and is greatly missed; and16
WHEREAS, although the death of Dr. Smith has left a tremendous void in her17
community, her memory shall live on forever in the minds and hearts of all who knew and18
loved her.19
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby20
express sincere and heartfelt condolences upon the death of Dr. Betty E. Smith of Ruston,21
does hereby recognize and record for posterity her outstanding accomplishments and22
singular contributions, and does hereby extend enduring appreciation for the pride and honor23
that this wonderful woman will forever bring to her family, friends, community, and state.24
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this Resolution be transmitted25
to the family of Dr. Betty E. Smith. 26 HLS 10RS-2456 ORIGINAL
HCR NO. 117
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DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Gallot HCR No. 117
Expresses condolences upon the death of Dr. Betty E. Smith of Ruston.