Betty Smithson Highlander, 88, of Alderson, WV, passed away on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026 at Peyton Hospice House in Lewisburg, WV. Born Apr. 16, 1937, in Alderson, she was the daughter of the late James A. Smithson and Helen (Hedrick) Smithson.
Mrs. Highlander grew up as a lifelong member of Old Greenbrier Baptist Church in Alderson, where she was a familiar and cherished presence in the community. She graduated from Alderson High School in 1955 and later from Concord University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in education. She worked as a teacher at Alderson Elementary School for the majority of her career before retiring. In her free time, she enjoyed crafting and earned ribbons for her handmade creations at local festivals, along with cooking and spending time with her family.
Survivors include her son, Jeffrey Highlander of Alderson; daughter-in-law, Maria Highlander of Williamson, GA; three granddaughters, Yldamarie Turner and her husband, Daniel, of Peachtree City, GA, Elizabeth Timmins and her husband, Andrew, of Williamson, GA, and Addison Highlander of Williamson, GA; and three great-grandchildren, Evelyn Turner and Elaine Turner of Peachtree City, GA, and Ripken Timmins of Williamson, GA.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her loving husband of 62 years, Lyle Coleman “Coco” Highlander, and her son, Thomas Highlander.
Funeral Services will be on Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 2 p.m. at Lobban Funeral Home Chapel in Alderson, WV with Pastor Derek Hall officiating. Burial will follow at the Alderson Cemetery in Alderson. Friends may call Wednesday, Feb. 18, from 1 to 2 p.m. at Lobban Funeral Home Chapel in Alderson, WV.
Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.
In the words of Betty Highlander, “Mind your mother, brush your teeth, and say your prayers.”
Condolences and memories may be shared with the Highlander family at www.lobbanfh.com
