Betty Smyrl Obituary

Betty Spires Smyrl, 93, died peacefully March 29, 2026, in Camden, S.C., where she had lived for nearly four decades. Funeral services will be graveside Thursday, April 9, at 12:30 p.m., in historic Quaker Cemetery, 713 Meeting Street, following a visitation of family and friends that morning from 11:00-12:00 at Kornegay Funeral Home Camden Chapel, 1112 Fair Street.

The widow of Camden native Oscar Jackson ("Jak") Smyrl, Jr., Betty was predeceased by three Spires brothers-Robert, Loyd, and Ray-and their parents, Odell and Lorena Hemmings Spires of Georgia. Born Oct. 14, 1932, in Sparks, Georgia, she is survived by one brother, Earl Spires of Perry, Ga., and an extended loving family of numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends locally and throughout the nation.

An Edgefield (S.C.) High School graduate interested in art, Betty moved to Columbia for job opportunities. She was a secretary when she met her future husband, a popular State newspaper artist and humorist. Jak and Betty married in Columbia April 26, 1958, and began a happy and adventurous life together, living in Columbia and traveling widely. Betty studied architectural drawing, design, and vocational art, becoming an interior designer recognized by the American Society of Interior Design and employed in Columbia at Creed Construction Company and at Bonitz Contract Design.

From 1959 Jak and Betty brought their talents together to design, build, decorate, and enjoy their lifelong beach house at Holden Beach, N.C. From 1987 on, they relocated their residence from Columbia to Jak's hometown Camden and renovated his late parents' home on Colonial Lake. Always welcoming and hospitable, Betty described what she liked best in a home: "I love a room full of voices."

After Jak's passing in 2007, Betty continued to thrive living by herself in their home, enjoying tending to its care and to her beloved pets. She enjoyed, too, companionship of family near and far, neighbors, friends old and new from church and community involvements, as well as former professional and friendship ties. She relished trips to her beach house, helped arrange family reunions at various locations, and toured with her First Baptist Church Young-at-Heart group. Personal letters and cards from Betty filled mailboxes, even while she added texting and Facebook posting to cellphone and computer skills. Over the years she volunteered with local groups, most lately American Legion Unit 17 Auxiliary, for which she wrote encouraging notes to homebound or hospitalized veterans.

In the last two months of Betty's life, intensive medical care in Columbia and Camden hospitals, local rehab, and hospital-hospice took her away from her home, but her mind, spirit, and faith did not falter. She said, "God will take me home in His time, and I will walk with Jesus," she said. "I am not afraid. Do not feel sad. I am joyful."

Family and friends are deeply grateful for the kindness and skill of many people who helped Betty as part of the following: her doctors' offices, Kershaw County Emergency Medical Service, MUSC Health Kershaw, MUSC Health Columbia Medical Center Downtown, and Karesh at Beechwood rehab.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Camden, 1201 Broad St., Camden, SC 29020, or to a church or charity of one's choosing.

Kornegay Funeral Home, Camden Chapel, is assisting the family. Condolences may be left online for the Smyrl family at www.kornegayfuneral.com.