Elizabeth Ann “Betty” Smailes, 84, of Colonial Heights, VA, passed away on Monday, June 8, 2026. Born in New York on October 16, 1941, she was the daughter of the late Gerald and Margaret Ackerson. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Thomas H. Smailes, Jr., and her son, Thomas H. Smailes, III.

She is survived by her daughter, Deborah Polo (Adriano); brothers-in-law, Richard Smailes and Davis Smailes; daughter-in-law, Wendy (Smailes) Kerns; and grandchildren, Michael F. Polo (Taylor), Brian S. Polo, and Krista N. Polo (Blake).

Betty had a distinguished career as an executive secretary for Eastern Airlines in New York City before serving as a legal secretary for the Commonwealth Attorney of Colonial Heights and later for a private attorney. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she was a passionate global traveler who loved exploring new places and cultures. An avid reader, Betty could often be found with a good book in hand, and also enjoyed knitting and crocheting.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, June 15, 2026, at the Colonial Heights Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes, 2033 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, VA 23834. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Betty’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org/donate