Betty (Hooper) Stocks

Betty Stocks, 94 died peacefully on May 1, 2018 with her family by her side at her son’s (David Smothers and Joanie) home in Garner, N.C.  Betty was the youngest or “baby” (as she loved to be called) of six children (Frank Hooper (Susie), Phillip “Diddle” Hooper (Moe), Joe (Flossie); June Goodes (Benny), and Dorothy Link (Buck) born to P. M. and Della Tate Hooper. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husbands, J. M. Smothers, Jr. and Dave Stocks; son Frank Smothers and stepson Bill Stocks. 

Betty was born and raised in Reidsville. She and J. M. started their married life in Reidsville where their four sons were born. The tobacco business took them to Dunn, N.C. in 1960 but returned to Reidsville in 1975. Betty was an active “life – long” member of Main Street United Methodist Church where she loved attending and serving. She was also an involved mother, grandmother and great grandmother and was so very proud of her family. She loved sitting on her sun porch surrounded by her family, friends and flowers reminiscing and laughing about the past or watching her birds. She had many talents such as cooking, painting, sewing, needlework including hand-smocking of girls’ dresses that were made for family and friends.  These beautiful dresses have been worn by many and handed down from generation to generation.  

Betty was a lover of God and His creations. She loved beautiful flowers, especially orchids and roses and watching her beloved hummingbirds from her porch. She enjoyed walking and especially walking on the beach in Long Boat Key, FL with Dave. She was a lover of music and was always so proud of her talented sons and grandchildren. Betty was a regular at MerleFest where she was a favorite guest of her talented son Joe and wife Marghy. She would “beam” with pride and joy listening to her son performing each year. Betty was also a lover of our country and so proud of our service men and women.

Betty is survived by three sons: John Smothers (Meredith), Joe Smothers (Marghy) and David Smothers (Joanie) and stepdaughter Bettie Benton Rhodes (Chuck). Grandchildren Meg Robinson (Jonathan), Jane Ferguson (Drew), Justin Smothers (Lee), Lee Manning (Micah), Franklin Smothers (Jeannie) and Matt Smothers. Step Grandchildren Rachel Rhodes Hall (Zack), Charlie Rhodes (Jennifer) and Lizzie Rhodes Shepherd (Ben). Great Grandchildren Helen and Julia Robinson, Liza and John Ferguson and Caroline Smothers. Step Great Grandchildren Bryce and Trenton Rhodes; Betsy, Mary Milam and Campbell Shepherd; Zack III, Bill and Miriam Hall. Children were her life and she loved them all. Betty was also blessed with many nieces, nephews and other beloved extended family & neighbors that adored her including Dot Richardson (Irvin) her sweet sister-in-law.

 A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held on Tuesday May 15, 2018 at 11:00 AM at Main Street United Methodist Church in Reidsville, N. C. with Joe Tarpley and Franklin Golden officiating. A private graveside service will be held prior to the Celebration Service. The family will greet family and friends after the service in the church fellowship hall. Memorials can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  

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