St. George's church and community leader Mrs. Betty Smith, nee Gibbons, had every reason to be smiling broadly on Saturday when this close-up (left) of her was taken.

She was surrounded by a host of her wide circle of family and friends from near and far, who joined at the Royal Artillery Club for a high tea celebrating her 75th birthday. Twice widowed, Betty, as she's respectfully called, was for 43 years leader of the 2nd St. George's Girl Guide Company.

Two years ago she was made an honorary member of the Council of the Bermuda Girl Guide Association in recognition of her sterling service as Eastern District Commissioner, and as the Association's camp adviser.

Betty travelled widely as a guide leader and as a dedicated member of the Bons Vivants travel and social group. She took guides to camp in Dorset, England; and also visited Scotland, Wales, Alaska and Australia. Betty outfitted many bridal parties when she operated her own dressmaking business in St. George's. She retired from the business to spend some 20 years as the airport representative of a now defunct cruise company.

Most of her time nowadays is devoted to historic St. Peter's Anglican Church in St. George's. She is secretary of the church guild, having previously served as president and treasurer. She is also a sub-warden at the church, and is a member of the St. Peter's Vestry.

Betty's first marriage was to Gladstone Simmons, late of Somerset, that produced a son named after his father, and a daughter, Francine, who lives in Virginia Beach, Virginia. She has a daughter, Lita, from her second marriage to Willard Smith, late of St. George's.

Betty is seen above with her brother, well-known retired Bermuda Regiment Bandmaster Captain Horace Gibbons, and their sister, Mrs. Melvina Gibbons Barnes. On the right is Horace's wife Artimeza. Far left is Betty's good friend and namesake but no relation, Mrs. Jean Smith. She came from her home in Norfolk, Virginia especially for the big 75th.