Life Pacific University is honored to announce the establishment of the Ms. Betty Smith Christian Service Endowed Scholarship, a tribute to the remarkable life and legacy of Ms. Betty Griffith Smith. Ms. Betty’s son, David Smith, delivered the extraordinary $442,000 gift to Life Pacific University on December 10.
Born on George Washington’s birthday, February 22, 1924, in Pueblo, Colorado, Betty’s life was marked by faith, service, and an unwavering commitment to equipping future generations for ministry and education.
Betty Smith’s journey began as the daughter of a coal miner and a devoted homemaker. Her grandmother, Margaret Templeman, was the only Christian in her family. Over the next few years, Margaret would lead her family to Angelus Temple where the entire group would come to know the Lord. Eventually, Betty’s mother, father, aunts and uncles enrolled in Life Bible College and studied for the ministry. All would graduate and serve the church until retirement, leading to a legacy of ministry and service that spans generations.
Known as a prayer warrior, Betty herself enrolled at Life Bible College at just 16 years old, where she met her husband, Edward Smith, at the LIFE Bible College iron gates. They were soon married by Sister Aimee Semple McPherson, after church on a Sunday, at the historic Angelus Temple. Together they pastored churches for over four decades, leaving an indelible impact on countless lives.
Beyond pastoral ministry, Betty exemplified a passion for education and marketplace ministry, earning degrees from Azusa Pacific University and pursuing advanced studies. She served faithfully at California State University, where she championed student scholarships as a director. Betty’s heart for young people led her and her husband to establish the Smith Christian Service Foundation, which awarded $300,000 scholarships to students pursuing Christian education over the past twenty-five years. When Edward passed away, Betty became the President and led the foundation.
Her prayerful spirit and commitment to education culminated in her wish to continue this legacy through Life Pacific University. Upon her passing in January 2024, just shy of her 100th birthday, Betty’s vision for empowering students was fulfilled through the transfer of funds from the Smith Christian Service Foundation to Life Pacific University.
Betty lived her life with joy in her heart. She loved singing hymns and reading her Thompson Chain Reference Bible, fully marked with dates and events, notes and prayers. Her heart’s desire to see young people earn an education and serve the Lord will carry on.
The Ms. Betty Smith Christian Service Endowed Scholarship will provide financial assistance to students who share Betty’s passion for education, ministry, and marketplace service.
Life Pacific University President Angie Richey expressed, “Ms. Betty’s long and vibrant life was a testament to faith in action. Her legacy will inspire and equip future leaders to serve Christ in every sphere of life. This endowed scholarship ensures her passion for empowering young people for Christian service will continue for generations to come.” She continued, “We are grateful to the Foundation Board and the Smith Family for their generosity and believing in the mission of Life Pacific University.”
Betty’s life verse, Psalm 118:24, reflects the joy and gratitude she carried throughout her life: “This is the day which the Lord hath made, we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Her legacy of joy, service, and education lives on through the countless lives she touched and the students who will benefit from her vision.
Ms. Betty’s daughter, LPU Trustee Dr. Ilene Bezjian,expressed, “There are no words to express how deeply my mother impacted my love for Jesus Christ and the importance to live as if He was coming to earth tomorrow. Now there is an opportunity for many more to carry on her work as well.”
For more information on the Ms. Betty Smith Christian Service Endowed Scholarship or to contribute a to this fund, please contact the Life Pacific University Office of Advancement at advancement@lifepacific.edu or 909-706-3028.
More information on a future celebration will be forthcoming.
About the Foundation The Smith Christian Service Foundation was established in 1993 to honor the legacy of Edward and Betty (Elizabeth) Joan Griffith Smith, who dedicated their lives to ministry and Christian service. Betty assumed leadership of the foundation following the passing of her husband, Edward.
The foundation’s board, comprised of their children and grandchildren, faithfully carried forward its mission:
- Kathleen Stutzman (husband Jerry Sr. and son Jerry Jr.)
- Ilene Bezjian (husband Vic, son James, and daughter Laurie Wallace)
- David Smith (wife Linda and son Timothy)
Edward and Betty first met while attending Life Bible College (LBC), now Life Pacific University (LPU), continuing a rich family heritage of Foursquare ministry. Betty’s parents, Joan and Benjamin Griffith, as well as her aunts Elizabeth Hourez and Anne Alpert, all graduated from LBC and went on to pastor churches throughout California. Edward’s mother, Mamie Koons Smith, was also an LBC graduate.
Edward and Betty faithfully pastored Ridgecrest Foursquare Church before founding Alhambra Community Gospel Church, where they served for decades until their retirement. Proceeds from the church’s sale established the foundation, with a focused mission to provide scholarships for Christian students committed to making an impact as marketplace leaders.
Today, all board members continue to serve God in their respective churches, upholding the Smith family’s enduring commitment to faith, education, and leadership development. Betty’s final wish to transfer the foundation’s assets to Life Pacific University ensures that her legacy will empower future generations of Christian leaders.
