Betsy Graves Smith

Betsy Graves Smith, age 93, of Alexandria, VA, died on November 3, 2023. She was born to the late Bernard Earl Graves and Thelma Margaret (Gander) Graves Ruffner of Stanley, VA. She is predeceased by her husband of 65 years, Robert Lee Smith, brother Robert Graves, sister Anna Belle Deal, and son-in-law Carl John Bondel. Betsy was a longtime resident of Northern Virginia.

Betsy is survived by daughters Mary Louise Bondel and Sarah Catherine Byrd (Steven); granddaughters Catherine Anne Earman (Joshua), Rebecca Suzanne Byrd Musser (Robert), Elise Catherine Bondel (Marshall Bonfield) and Laura Meredith Bondel; 6 great granddaughters and 4 great grandsons; and many loving extended family and friends.

Betsy was a lifelong educator. She spent many years as a mathematics teacher and later as an administrator in Fairfax County Schools. In retirement, she served as a docent at the Smithsonian American History Museum.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at 03:30 p.m. at Goodwin House, 4800 Fillmore Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22311.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in her memory may send it to The Goodwin House Foundation Staff Support Fund, 4800 Fillmore Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22311 or at goodwinliving.org.

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