January 6, 2026, 70, New Bern – Bettye Joan Smith, 70, of New Bern, NC passed away on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. Joan was a long-time resident of Princeton, NC. Joan was born on July 4, 1955 in Bossier City, Louisiana, to the late Col. James E. “Red” Smith and Norma Wade Smith of Princeton, NC.
Joan was born into a military family, and had the opportunity to travel extensively at a young age. From seeing a lot of the United States due to her father being transferred from one end of the United States to the other, to foreign countries like Hong Kong, Vietnam and India.
Joan was very artistic; she made many ceramics for her family and friends. The ceramic Christmas Trees she made are prized family possessions. Joan loved animals, especially cats that came and visited or decided to stay at the Smith’s house in Princeton. Joan loved petting and feeding the local visitors.
Joan’s life was full of challenges, but due to her strong will, she was able to meet or exceed these challenges.
Joan is survived by brothers, Bradley J. Smith (Mary) of Raleigh, Barry J. Smith of New Bern, and Bryan J. Smith (Lori) of Oxford; sisters, Beverly J. Martin (Grant) of Lebanon, Oregan and Barbara J. Fogle (Kaiser) of New Bern and several nieces and nephews.
The Smith Family would like to extend extreme gratitude to the caregivers at Progressive Care in Princeton, NC. Also, gratitude to the caregivers at The Gardens of Trent in New Bern, NC. Joan was special to all of them and they loved Joan.
The funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm on Monday, January 19, 2026 in the chapel of Casey Funeral Home and Cremations in Princeton, NC. with Pastor Dennis Pollock officiating. The committal for Joan will take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
The family will receive friends from 12:00 noon until 1:00 pm at Casey Funeral Home and Cremations.
The family suggests that Memorial donations be sent to Progressive Care at 160 Haven Lane, Princeton, NC 27569
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.caseyfh.com.
Casey Funeral Home and Cremations is honored to serve the Smith Family.
