Beth Chiles

Sara Elizabeth “Beth” Chiles passed away peacefully on December 9 after a courageous battle with dementia. 

Beth is survived by her daughter Beth “Caffey” Joslin Roth, her beloved grandchildren Sam and Avery Roth, their father Michael Roth, her sister Lyn (Bud) Stringer, her brother-in-law Buddy Pierce, and many loyal friends and extended family members, including her college roommate Ann Burlison. Beth was predeceased by her first husband Dan Joslin, second husband John Chiles, sister Jeffery Pierce, and parents, Tom and Louise Ware. 

Born in Clarksdale, Mississippi on July 23, 1950, Beth grew up in Belen, Mississippi and graduated from Marks High School. She attended the University of Mississippi where she studied History and met Dan. They married in 1970, moved to Nashville, and started their family. Following Dan’s sudden death in 1992, she married John in 1995. They were happily married until his passing. 

In 2017, Beth retired from the Tennessee General Assembly where she worked for decades in both the House and Senate. She also served on several local nonprofit boards over the years. After retiring, she enjoyed traveling with her daughter and grandchildren, spending time with friends, and volunteering at her church where she was an active member for over 40 years. 

Beth loved to cook and was famous for her cheese straws. She was an avid reader, an accomplished seamstress, and a passionate fan of the Tennessee Titans and Ole Miss Rebels. But, nothing brought her more joy than being a grandmother. 

She will be remembered for her kindness, her generosity, and her devotion to her family. A visitation will be held February 10th at 1pm at Donelson Presbyterian Church followed by a memorial service at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Heart n’ Soul Hospice, The Alzheimer’s Association, or Donelson Presbyterian Church.