Betty Ott Smallwood June 06, 1926 – February 02, 2019 Share this obituary Sign Guestbook Betty Ott Smallwood died February 2, 2019 at her residence. She was born June 6, 1926 in Staunton, Virginia, the daughter of Virginia Paul Ott and Edwin LaVan Ott. Betty attended public schools in Staunton, before entering Mary Baldwin College, graduating in 1946 with a degree in sociology.
While at Mary Baldwin, she met her future husband, Harvey Smallwood, who was attending the University of Virginia School of Medicine. After their marriage and her move to Charlottesville, she taught both in high school and elementary schools in Augusta and Albemarle counties for several years. Following a two year stay in Panama City, Florida while her husband was stationed at Tyndall Air Force Base, they returned to Charlottesville, where Harvey established his medical practice, raising two daughters and immersing themselves in the life of that University town.
Betty was a member of the University League (now the Junior League of Charlottesville), serving as its president at one time. She was also actively involved in the UVA Faculty Wives Club and the Albemarle County Historical Society. She served on the Board of the Senior Center, as well as a volunteer at Meals on Wheels, and as a reading tutor at Venable elementary school for many years.
She participated in numerous social organizations including her wonderful book club and investment club, and she was a member of Farmington Country Club. She was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church for over sixty years, sharing her volunteerism there in numerous ways, including organizing and hosting the Adult Luncheon group for many years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harvey.
She is survived by two daughters, Katherine LaVan Smallwood and her husband, Robert B. Gottschalk, Jr. of Richmond, and Elizabeth Harvey Smallwood of Charlottesville. Other survivors include her dear first cousin, Mitchell R. Mays of Lynchburg, and a number of neices, a nephew, and cousins. Betty will be remembered as an extraordinary wife and mother and a faithful friend to many, all of whom cherished her fantastic sense of humor, straightforward, but loving demeanor, and generous spirit.
Kathy and Beth would like to extend thanks to her devoted caregivers, Dawn Nowell, Brenda Tibbs, Marlita Morris, Angla Jones, and Linda Marsh, and her dedicated helper, Ray Barbour, as well as the staff of The Hospice of the Piedmont. A memorial service will be held at 1:30 pm on Friday, February 8, 2019 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 400 Rugby Rd. in Charlottesville with the Rev.
Lynne Clements officiating. Interment will be private.
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