Betty Jean Ledbetter was born on January 14, 1948 in Champaign, Illinois to the union of Eddie Thomas Smith and Cody Ann Smith.  During her childhood, the family moved to East St. Louis, Illinois. Betty was educated in the schools of District #189. Betty was preceded in death by her parents Eddie Thomas and Cody Ann Smith, siblings, LethaMae Cook, Shirley Smith, Janie Snow, Thomas Eddie Smith, Frank James Smith, Jerome and Donnell and daughters, Towanda Michelle Ledbetter and Eolonda Louis Ledbetter.

Betty was united in holy wedlock to Charles Ledbetter who preceded her in death.  She confessed a hope in Christ in 2017.

On Monday, February 25, 2019 , Betty Jean Ledbetter made her transition from her earthly home to her heavenly home.

She leaves to cherish her memory her daughters, Margaret Ann Smith, Pamela (Clifton) Ellis and Wanda Ledbetter; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren;  brothers, Robert Smith and Jessie (Kimberly) Smith;  sister, Ann Smith;  long term love and friend, Harold Johnson;  and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.