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Regular Session, 2010
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON NO. 117
BY REPRESENTATIVES GALLOT, DOWNS, AND FANNI N AND SENATORS
KOSTELKA AND LONG
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON
To express sincere and heartfelt condolences upon the death of Dr. Betty E. Smith of
Ruston.
WHEREAS, it was with deep regret and profound sorrow that the members of the
Legislature of Louisiana learned of the death of Dr. Betty E. Smith of Ruston on March 29,
2010, at the age of eighty; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Smith was born on September 27, 1929, in Vernon, Louisiana, to
Reverend P.A. Edmiston and Marjorie Edmiston; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Smith earned her bachelor's degree in nursing from Northwestern
University, her master's degree in nursing from Emory University, and her doctoral degree
in nursing from the University of Southern Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Smith taught nursing at the University of Louisiana at Monroe from
1967 to 1982; and
WHEREAS, in 1983, Dr. Smith was instrumental in the establishment of the nursing
program at Grambling State University, and she served with great distinction as dean of the
College of Professional Studies until her retirement in 2006; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Smith also worked for many highly productive years as a licensed
practical nurse at the Thomas/Kimbell Clinic of Ruston, and she worked as a registered
nurse at Lincoln General Hospital, Longleaf Nursing Home, and the Veterans Affairs
Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Smith was incredibly dedicated as a nurse and teacher to her
patients, co-workers, staff, and students; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Smith was a faithful member of Cornerstone Baptist Church in
Ruston; and ENROLLEDHCR NO. 117
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WHEREAS, Dr. Smith is survived by two daughters, Frances Hanna and husband
Jimmie and Martha Ferguson and husband Jimmy; her brother, Joe Edmiston and wife
Martha; her sister, Nelda Robison; her sister-in-law, Nancy Edmiston; four grandsons, Kevin
Hanna, Chad Bates and wife Roxie, Allen Hanna and wife Catherine, and Dustin Ferguson;
great-grandchildren, Cody and Daniel Hanna, Sarah Bates, and Spencer Duck; and an array
of extended family members and friends; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Smith was preceded in death by her father, Reverend P.A.
Edmiston, and mother, Majorie Edmiston; and
WHEREAS, with the death of Dr. Smith, Louisiana has lost one of her finest citizens;
and
WHEREAS, Dr. Smith, who was admired by all whose lives she touched, leaves
behind a rich and unique legacy and is greatly missed; and
WHEREAS, although the death of Dr. Smith has left a tremendous void in her
community, her memory shall live on forever in the minds and hearts of all who knew and
loved her.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
express sincere and heartfelt condolences upon the death of Dr. Betty E. Smith of Ruston,
does hereby recognize and record for posterity her outstanding accomplishments and
singular contributions, and does hereby extend enduring appreciation for the pride and honor
that this wonderful woman will forever bring to her family, friends, community, and state.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this Resolution be transmitted
to the family of Dr. Betty E. Smith.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATI VES
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE