Grace Elizabeth Smith

Grace Elizabeth Meads Smith, 79, went home to her Lord and Savior on Thursday, February 16, 2023. She was a beloved wife, mother, and adopted grandmother to many over the years.   Known by most as Beth, she spent the majority of her life in Sardis. She was the daughter of the late George “Pilot” Linton Meads and Grace Pauline Davis Meads. Beth was preceded in death by her son, Robert David Smith.

Beth graduated from SGA in 1961 and went on to attend Bolen Business School in Augusta before moving to Milledgeville to work for the County Extension Agent. While home visiting, she met a young teacher who took meals at her mother’s house. She and David were married in December of that same year. Beth went on to work at the State Hospital in Milledgeville before returning to Sardis to live. She worked for the county hospital prior to going to work for the Burke County Health Department where she remained up until her retirement.

Beth was an avid reader, especially of Christian fiction. Had she kept a list, the number of books would have been into the thousands. She also enjoyed gospel music. Beth spent many years going to Hilton Head Island and Jekyll Island with family, as she loved the beach and the sun.

Beth always supported her children by attending or working at numerous activities they were involved in such as her daughter’s dance recitals and band events or taking Robert for horseback riding lessons. Her home was always open to her children’s friends. In later years, her daughter’s students adopted her as their Grandma Beth.

Beth attended Hurst Baptist Church and Friendship Baptist Church in Screven County for many years serving as a Sunday School Teacher and filling various positions at Vacation Bible School for both churches.

Left to mourn her passing are her husband of 57 years, David Russell Smith; and a daughter, Dawne Smith Gibson and her husband, Joey.

The family would like to thank Gloria Becton for caring for Beth these last months. They would also like to thank Jill Posey and all of the staff of Regency Hospice.

Beth will be laid to rest beside her son in the Sardis Baptist Cemetery on Monday, February 20th at 1:00.

DeLoach-McKerley-Prescott Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 220 East 6th Street, Waynesboro, GA   30830 (706-554-3531)

You may sign the guest book at www.deloachfuneralhomes.com .