Remembering Betty Jane France

Perhaps the only thing more striking about Betty Jane France than her perpetual smile was the vast size of her compassionate heart. The wife of Bill France Jr. and mom of Brian France and Lesa France Kennedy left a gigantic legacy with both her work within NASCAR and charitable efforts outside of it. That's why The NASCAR Foundation, which she founded, kicked off its celebration of 15 years of giving on her birthday, April 15. Scroll through for photos of Mrs. France through the years.

Betty Jane France was committed to helping children, and she did so through her charitable endeavors. Perhaps just as important as raising money, though, was seeing Betty Jane France often strolling through the halls of the hospitals she helped fund.

"People can give money or give a check, but when you walk in and see the situation first-hand, the faces of the people you touched, you know the stories," team owner Rick Hendrick said. "That means something to you and that really needs to be your legacy in life, that you are a caring, giving person that looked after others. I'd think that would be the legacy you'd want to live by. And she did."

Betty Jane France touched countless lives with her commitment to children's causes, such as the 'Speediatrics' children's care unit at Halifax Health in Daytona Beach -- where a bronze statue of her likeness stands just outside the hospital tower that bears her family's name.

Married to the late NASCAR Chairman Bill France Jr., Betty Jane was interested in more than just running the family's famous racing business, although she helped with that, too. She was equally as concerned with caring for the people in the business -- and beyond.

"She was ahead of her time," team owner Rick Hendrick said of Betty Jane France. "Back then in the beginning, you just didn't see people reaching out with a cause or organizing everyone to get behind it.

"The money Betty Jane raised is one thing, but the awareness is sometimes more important than the money is. So she made a point to let people know there is a need there."

Betty Jane France caused children to smile throughout her entire life by virtue of her charitable work.

Daniel Noltemeyer, representing the Best Buddies Kentucky charity, was understandably thrilled when he won the fourth annual Betty Jane Humanitarian Award in 2014.

When grandson Ben Kennedy won his first NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Bristol, Betty Jane surprised him with a visit at his North Carolina shop.

"I had no idea my grandma was going to be there, so to have her there to help celebrate at the victory dinner was something I'll never forget," Kennedy said.

Lesa France Kennedy (left), Betty Jane France's daughter, is NASCAR's executive vice chair.

The Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award, recognizing outstanding charitable and volunteer efforts of NASCAR fans, was created in 2011.

Rusty Wallace (left) and NASCAR Vice Chairman Mike Helton (right) are both on The NASCAR Foundation Board of Directors.

Since its launch in 2006, The NASCAR Foundation has donated more than $36 million to impact the lives of more than 1.4 million children.

Here's Betty Jane France cutting the ribbon on a new 'Speediatrics' hospital wing.

Unveiling The NASCAR Foundation logo in 2012.

Betty Jane France at the 2010 Daytona 500.

Betty Jane France with son Brian France and his wife, Amy, in 2010.

The NASCAR Next Class of 2013 included Ben Kennedy (left), along with Chase Elliott and Daniel Suarez.

The full France family met U.S. President Ronald Reagan, who famously gave the command at the 1984 Firecracker 400. From left: Brian France, Bill France Jr., Ronald Reagan, Betty Jane France and Lesa France Kennedy.

"She was very elegant, very respectful and never met a stranger," NASCAR Vice Chairman Mike Helton said of Betty Jane France.

Bill France Jr., Betty Jane France and a young Ben Kennedy.

Betty Jane France and Bill France Jr. wed in 1957, months after Bill France recruited Betty Jane to enter a 'Miss NASCAR' contest.

Bill France Jr. and Betty Jane France met U.S. President George H. W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush.

From left: Betty Jane France, Anne B. France and Lesa France Kennedy.

Betty Jane France and husband Bill France Jr. officially opening Daytona USA in 1996.

"She was the kindest, classiest lady I've ever met," team owner Richard Childress said of Betty Jane France.

Betty Jane France presenting future NASCAR Hall of Famer Curtis Turner with a trophy.

Betty Jane France poses with NASCAR Cup Series drivers and honorees during the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award Reception in 2015.