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Beth Smith Obituary
Murfreesboro, TN
Beth McAlister Smith was born on April 23, 1960 and passed from this life on May 31, 2014 at age 54.
Beth is survived by Richard Smith, her loving and devoted husband of 15 years, and her beloved dogs, Mr. Bosco and Little Tess. Beth was the daughter of the late Dorothy Wilson McAlister of Fayetteville, Tennessee and William Donald McAlister of Old Hickory, Tennessee, who survives. She is further survived by her step mother, Vickie Haley McAlister. Beth is also survived by loving brothers and sisters through marriage, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephew and cousins galore.
Beth's childhood was spent in Fayetteville where she attended Central High School and was very active and involved in many activities and clubs. She attended college at Middle Tennessee State University, graduating in 1983 with a B.S. degree in psychology. While at MTSU, she was a member and president of Alpha Delta Pi sorority. Beth did not know a stranger and was a friend to all. Lifelong friends and church family meant the world to Beth.
Her greatest achievement in life was when she served as Executive Director of Rutherford County Habitat for Humanity. Under her leadership of 12 years, Beth was part of 82 families realizing their dreams of home ownership. Another of Beth's greatest joys was working with Murfreesboro Noon Rotary Club. She joined this organization in January of 2004 and served in many capacities, and was its president during 2009-2010. Beth's favorite local service project was the Dictionary Project. During her years as the chair of the committee, over 10,000 dictionaries were distributed to third graders in Murfreesboro and Rutherford County. Beth and Richard worshipped with the congregation at Rural Hill Church of Christ in Antioch, Tennessee.
In lieu of flowers, a contribution to Rutherford County Habitat for Humanity, Rural Hill Church of Christ, Rutherford County Humane Society or P.A.W.S. would have pleased Beth immensely.
Visitation with the family will be Saturday, June 7, 2014 from 10 a.m. until the Celebration of Life at 1 p.m., at Murfreesboro Funeral Home, with Bro. Russ King and Bro. Dan Dozier officiating.
Those wishing may send condolences online at www.murfreesborofuneralhome.com. Murfreesboro Funeral Home, 145 Innsbrooke Blvd., Murfreesboro, TN (615) 896-2229.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Beth Smith
George Dulin
June 7, 2014
I'm very sorry for the loss of Beth. She was one of the nicest people I ever knew. I remember playing Basketball in junior high and high school and Beth just cheering away. I'm really glad I got to see her at the last class reunion. RIP
Lisa McDaniel
June 5, 2014
What a blessing and honor to call Beth my friend. She was an angel on earth. Her smile lit up a room, and Beth lit up the world. I loved her dearly.
June 5, 2014
Cousin Beth was truly one in a million. She was always kind, giving, passionate about many groups and causes, and inspirational when it came to her faith in Christ and always maintaining a strong spirit and positive attitude. We will miss her dearly, but her legacy lives on in those she inspired--and there are many. Brooksie, Steve, and Drake Austin
bobby &brenda sharp
June 5, 2014
so sorry to hear about beth passing.
John (Pucky) Kenna
June 4, 2014
Oh sweet sweet Beth - Some of the best times of my life were with this girl. Such a loving soul. My thoughts and prayers are with her husband, Dad , family and friends.
Mr.& Mrs. Carl A. Patton
June 4, 2014
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
June 4, 2014
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Randy Hansen
June 4, 2014
My deepest condolences to the family. Heaven is shining a little brighter today.
Randy Hansen
June 4, 2014
My condolences to the family. Heaven is shining a little brighter today.
June 4, 2014
My deepest condolences to the family for their loss. John 5:28.
Monica Bates
June 3, 2014
Beth, you will be missed dearly, but it is time for you to rest, keep smiling and until we meet again. Love you!
Rocky Ryan
June 3, 2014
On a bad day…………………………………………she smiled
On a good day…………………………………………she smiled
She always made everyone's day……………with a smile
She will want us to remember her…………with a smile
She will be missed……………………………………but we will smile
It was my honor to call her a friend…………and for that I smile
Everyone join me………………………………………and smile
Beth, thank you for the opportunity to know you...........it made me smile.
Jacki and Ken Pamplin
June 3, 2014
Dear Beth Richard and family,
Beth, You mean the world to people you might not know how positively you have affected their lives. One of the sweetest, precious, and most beautiful people I've ever known. Grace always abounded with you Beth in all things that you did. You will be missed.
June 3, 2014
Oh sweet Beth, you changed my life for the better in so many ways. I will forever miss our talks, your outlook, your beautiful smile, laugh, and so much more. You have always been a true friend and I will miss you forever. Give my Jeff a hug and I can't wait to see you both again. I love you, Colleen
Billy Pearson
June 3, 2014
Mr.Smith, I had the pleasure to know Beth, when the Murfreesboro Lions Club and I secured a matching grant from the International Lions Club Foundation , and our club funds together helped build with another sponsor, we paid for half of a Habitat house and worked on it. Beth was a sweet friendly and caring person. I wondered what had happened early a dew weeks ago, when I read an article in DNJ about a new executive Director. She well be greatly missed. My prayers and thoughts go out to you and family and may God comfort all in the days to come.
Billy Pearson
Murfreesboro Lions Club
Murfreesboro TN
Michelle Hayes
June 3, 2014
My precious Beth may you smile down on us daily. Your love, spirit, kindness and heart are forever a blessing.
Hicks Neal
June 3, 2014
Beth was my dear sweet beautiful cousin. For more than 30 years she jousted with cancer before it claimed her precious life, the same horrible disease that took her mother, who was an educator
Think of the changed lives in which Beth had a hand with her executive directorship role at Rutherford County Habitat for Humanity. Not only did her ebullient personality splash sunshine across a room wherever she was, but she toiled and fought for the downtrodden to attain stability through home ownership. Truly, Beth was special to everyone she encountered; a genuine difference-maker.
I hate this. I cannot believe she's gone. This outcome doesn't seem fair for someone who looked to serve and give with all that's her. But know that Beth had long prepared for her journey from this life.
Lovingly selfless is how I would describe her and will remember Beth. Ultimately, the finger prints of selflessness are all over her body of work in this world and, perhaps, the lingering design of her legacy.
Rest In Peace, my dear sweet beautiful cousin. Very well done as a good and faithful servant, Beth.
Dan Dozier
June 3, 2014
A godly woman, whose smile and enthusiasm for life always lit up the room. A courageous lady who thought of others before she thought of herself.
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