Betty Knight (Benson) Smith, 83, of Evansville, Indiana, passed away on Wednesday, February 4, 2015 at Good Samaritan Nursing Home surrounded by her loving family.
Betty was born in Onton, Kentucky on March 10, 1931 to the late Guy D. and Ellon (Johnson) Benson. Betty was a pillar in our community, serving in both Evansville and Vanderburgh County with the Democratic Party for many years. She served 13 years on the Evansville City Council, 8 years as Vanderburgh County Clerk, 4 years as Vanderburgh County Council, 8 years as Vanderburgh County Recorder and 10 years in the Pigeon Township Trustee’s office as a caseworker. She was the owner of the Civic Center Inn and the Park Place Restaurant.  She was a member of National Business Women’s Association, Fraternal Order of Police, JFK Club, Young Democrats, and the Vice-President of Vanderburgh County Democratic Party. She was a member of the Evansville Housing Authority, the Salvation Army and the Soup Kitchen. She received the Distinguished Hoosier Award in May 2008 from Governor Mitch Daniels, the JFK Award–“Profiles in Courage,” August 9, 2008, the Evansville Black Expo, “Women’s Banquet” Award in 1993, she was honored as the Volunteer of the Year at the Salvation Army Soup Kitchen, she received “The Enchanted Lantern” for No-Ruz Grotto, and she received the “Keys to the City” of Evansville in 1988.  Betty was a loving mother who cherished her four children and her grandchildren. Betty was a strong lady who helped improve the lives of many people in our community. During her free moments, Betty was an avid reader, played cards and enjoyed taking care of people.
Betty is survived by her children, Rebecca Isley (David), Greg Knight, Bev Oswald (Mike Frierdich), Rhonda Clayton (Ron), all of Evansville, IN; sister, Mary Lilly Blackford (Ed); grandchildren, Zach McWilliams (Kim), Katie Fitch (Mark), Chad Oswald (Nichole), Chase Oswald, Susan Knight and Maddie Clayton; great-grandchildren, Caroline Fitch, Charlie Oswald and Rory McWilliams; and many nieces and nephews.
Betty was preceded in death by her first husband and the father of her children, Elvis Knight; second husband, Fred Smith; her parents; sisters, Loreen Donohoo and Agnes Ray; brothers, David, Gene, Olan, Sam, Frank and Dan Benson.
A celebration of Betty’s life will be held at 11:30 AM on Saturday, February 7, 2015 at Browning Funeral Home, 738 Diamond Avenue, Evansville, IN 47711 with Rev. Joe Mitchell officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery.
Friends may visit with the family from 1:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Friday, February 6, 2015 at Browning Funeral Home and again from 9:30 AM until service time on Saturday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 4055, Evansville, IN 47724 or Autism Speaks, 1060 State Road, Princeton, NJ 08540.
Condolences may be made online at www.browningfuneral.com.
FOOTNOTE: Â As a public service to our readers we shall post any obituary without charge until further notice. Â You may send you obits with pictures to mfcosby@hotmail.com.Â
