Betty Denita Smith, 68, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 14, 2020 in Katy, Texas. She was born in Jackson, TN to Virginia Ruth Collins and the late James D. Collins of Fort Wayne. Denita's professional life was as a self-taught computer guru (CISSP) and project manager (PMI PMP) at an international E&P company for 40 years.

Denita was not defined only by her successful career, but by her loving and giving spirit. She never hesitated to offer words of wisdom, caregiving or financial assistance and was admired and loved dearly by her family. Although she had an extremely responsible and demanding career, she always put family first. She lived her life by devoting it to the pursuit of knowledge, by giving back to others and doing whatever she pursued in a spirit of love. After retirement, Denita served on the Security Professionals Board and volunteered at Katy Christian Ministries.

Denita is survived by her husband, Roger Laine of Katy, TX; son, Max Smith of Atlanta, GA; sister, Glynda Harris & mother, Ruth Collins of Fort Wayne; Kristen Austion (Kenneth) niece, Amy Perry (Keith) niece , nine great nieces and nephews and four great, great nieces.

Denita was preceded in death by her father, James D. Collins and nephew James R. Babbitt. Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.

Service and two Callings are at Fairhaven Funeral Home, 6557 N. Clinton St. Service starts at 10:30 am, Friday, January 24, 2020. Callings are 5:00-to-8:00 pm, Thursday, January 23, 2020, and at 9:30-to-10:30 am the next day. Burial is after the Service, in Covington Memorial Gardens, 8408 Covington Rd. To sign the online guestbook, go to www.fairhavenfortwayne.com