Remembering My Friend Bettie

By Veronica Mackey

Bettie Joe Smith LCSW, an Inglewood social worker, passed away on October 11, 2024.  She was 73.  Born in Jackson, Mississippi, Bettie moved to Los Angeles in 1963 and graduated from Hamilton High School.  She also graduated from California State University at Northridge, where she obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Studies.  She obtained her Master’s Degree in Social Work at Utah University in Salt Lake City, and later became board certified in Clinical Social Work.

In 1992, Bettie established her own private practice in Inglewood, starting with a single office.  Just two years later, in 1994, founded Life Adjustment Group at 111 N. La Brea Ave. in Inglewood.  Bettie’s dedication and expertise led her to break barriers as the first Black woman to secure a city contract with the City of Inglewood Fire and Police Departments.  Her contributions extended to multiple corporate partnerships where she provided invaluable support through her practice.  Bettie was known for her generosity and compassion.  On occasion, she would provide free services to clients who were unable to pay.    

I was referred to Bettie for counseling in 1995.  After parting ways with my then-husband, and with 2 small children to raise, earning money was critical.  “There’s a magazine next door called Inglewood Today,” she said.  “You should go up there and see if they’re hiring.”  I took her advice, and the rest is history.  With a new job and Bettie’s guidance, my life took a new turn.  I became financially stable and began making new friends.  

Our friendship lasted for decades—long  after I stopped coming in for therapy sessions.  She was the absolute best friend a single woman looking for love could have.  She became my coach, my confidante, my prayer partner, someone I could always laugh with when life became tough. 

Struck by her wisdom and empathic ability to understand what I could not put into words, Bettie stayed tuned in to the many challenges that I faced.  As a single mom, as a woman looking for love, a news reporter navigating my writing career and fulfilling my dream of entrepreneurship, she was always loyal, helpful and never gave me any indication that she was too busy to listen.  Ever joyful and optimistic, she became my rock.  Even during the times she faced her own hardships, she always had an encouraging word.  

Bettie was an amazing therapist, whose work included individual therapy, couples therapy and even a support group for Black men—something so rare, but very much needed.  As a licensed clinical social worker providing mental health services to a largely Black population, Bettie disproved the negative stereotype that Black people don’t believe in therapy.  Her bustling practice kept her booked and busy for many years, affirming the fact that mental health is for everyone—especially Black people.  

Betty will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.  She leaves behind 3 sisters, her brother-in-law, nephew, 3 godchildren, and a multitude of cousins and friends.