Betty Agnes Craven

Betty Agnes (Smart) Craven, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister passed away on May 22, 2024, at her home in Lakewood, Colorado. Betty, the oldest of four, was born on May 11, 1939, to Ben and Inez Smart in Amarillo, TX.

Betty, known as MaBear by those closest to her, is survived by her devoted husband, Jimmy Craven, her son Mike Craven (Wendy), her grandchildren Stacia Taylor (Nick) and Jonathan Craven, and her great-grandchildren Zachary and Emily Williams.

Betty was an outstanding student, basketball player, and cheerleader at Farwell High School in Texas. She met the love of her life, Jimmy Craven, when she was fourteen; they were later married in 1957 and spent the next 66 years living a life full of love and laughter together. From 1970-1976 they traveled the country together as part of “The Smarts Quartet” spreading the gospel of their faith through music. The 5 albums the quartet recorded and the songs she wrote continue to be treasured by her family.

Together her and Jimmy built a beautiful and quiet life in Clovis, NM. In her later years Betty continued to be playful and full of surprises for those around her. She enjoyed traveling with her husband, spoiling her grandchildren, bursting out into song to bring joy and laughter to those around her, and sharing stories and reminiscing of a life well lived.

A service celebrating the life of this truly unique and beautiful person will be held on Friday May 31st, at 10:30am at Drinkwine Family Mortuary 999 W Littleton Blvd, Littleton, CO  80120. 

Visitation will be held on Monday, June 3, 2024, from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Muffley Funeral Home, 1430 Thornton St., Clovis, NM. Private Burial to follow.

Mabear, while you may no longer be with us here on earth, your love will continue to resonate in our hearts and memories. We will miss you dearly. May you rest in peace.

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