Betty Dohoney

Betty Ray Smith Dohoney was born on September 3, 1930, in Wichita Falls, Texas, only child of W. Ray Smith and Beth Smith and died on September 12, 2024, in Dallas, Texas. The family moved to Hillsboro in 1936. She married Robert George Dohoney on December 29th, 1951, and he died on December 9th, 2020. Their marriage lasted almost 70 years. They had three children: Kathleen Dohoney Liebendorfer (Craig); Beth Dohoney Kennard (Rusty); and Patrick Smith Dohoney (Karen), together with seven grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Betty graduated as an honor graduate from Hillsboro High School in May 1947, then attended one year of Texas State College for Women (TSCS) now Texas Women's University (TWU), graduated from University of Texas, Austin 1951 where she was a member of the Delta Delta Delta Sorority, and Baylor Law School in 1965. She practiced law in Hill County and served as Hill County Attorney and as Hillsboro City Attorney. She was a member of the Junior Sesame Club and Sesame Club, and Philotechnos club of Hillsboro. For over 10 years she served as a Law Professor and Associate Dean of Baylor Law School in Waco Texas.

Betty was a member, teacher, Elder and Trustee of the First Presbyterian Church of Hillsboro for many years. At the time of her death, she was a member of Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church of Dallas. She, along with her husband, was inducted into the Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame in 2009.

Betty and her cousin, Andy Smith, convinced Ruth Smith Moorman (Betty's aunt) to establish in honor of Ruth's parents and Betty's Grandparents the George G. and Alva Hudson Smith Foundation to benefit Hill County Citizens. Betty served as President of the Foundation from its formation, and more recently as Director, Emeritus. The Foundation has given millions of dollars to worthy Hill County entities since 1994 and will continue to benefit Hill County citizens for years to come.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm, September 21, 2024, at First Presbyterian Church of Hillsboro located at 301 Old Brandon Road, Hillsboro Texas 76645.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the George G. and Alva Hudson Smith Foundation, P. O. Box 1245, Hillsboro, TX 76645.