Former Clark County resident who had No. 1 country hits dies at 84:
1. Former Clark County resident with top country hits passes away at 84
2. 84-year-old country music star and former Clark County resident passes away.
Betty Lou Miller, known professionally as Betty Smith, sadly passed away recently. She was a renowned country singer who had the privilege of touring with some of the greats in the industry, including Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, Tammy Wynette, Kenny Rogers, Conway Twitty, and Crystal Gayle.
Born on April 9, 1939, in Mutual, Champaign County, Betty Lou Miller later changed her place of birth to Dayton in 1942. She admitted that she fabricated this information because she wanted to appear younger and because no one was familiar with the small area she actually came from.
During the 1970s, Betty Smith achieved great success with her music. She topped the charts with her No. 1 hits, “Don’t Break the Heart That Loves You” in 1977 and “It Only Hurts for a Little While” in 1978. Her talent and popularity led her to perform regularly at renowned venues such as Dollywood and the Grand Ole Opry.
In addition to her successful singing career, Smith also had a personal life that she cherished. She married producer Richard Cammeron, who survives her. Furthermore, she formed a gospel duo with her daughter, Holly, showcasing their harmonious voices.
Betty Smith’s early life was marked by tragedy, as she was raised by her grandmother who tragically lost her life in a house fire. Smith miraculously survived the incident and went on to live with her aunt, uncle, and cousins near Catawba. Her resilience and determination allowed her to overcome adversity and pursue her dreams.
After graduating from high school, Smith attended Wittenberg University, where she discovered her passion for teaching. She decided to become a kindergarten teacher after completing her education. This decision brought her to New Carlisle, where she not only taught but also found love in her first husband.
According to local historian Stan Oliver, Betty Smith’s journey into the world of music began with singing to her students. Her talent was soon recognized, and she began performing at various events and clubs. Eventually, she caught the attention of industry professionals in Nashville and signed a record deal, launching her successful country music career.
At this time, the cause of Betty Smith’s death remains unknown. We mourn the loss of this talented artist and offer our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and fans. Her contributions to the world of country music will always be remembered..
– Former Clark County resident with No. 1 country hits
– 84-year-old country hits singer from Clark County.
