Beverly Mershon Smith

Beverly Mershon Smith (nee Miller) beloved mother of Douglas, Brian and Penelope Smith Huynen, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2026.

Born in Detroit, Michigan to parents Clarence and Hester Miller, Beverly grew up with her two older sisters, Hortense and Maxine and her maternal grandmother. Family trips to Belle Isle and then road trips throughout the country opened her eyes to the beauty of the wider world. Beverly graduated from Cass Technical High School with a major in art, which became her lifelong passion. Her talents led to a brief stint preparing nautical charts of the Great Lakes for the Coast Guard. She then attended Wayne State University, majoring in art.

While at Wayne State, she and friends were invited to attend dances at the University of Michigan and it was there she met her husband, Richard Herbert Smith. They were soon married, enjoying 68 years together until his passing in October, 2020. Together they started a family and in the late 1950's moved to the Birmingham, Michigan area. Beverly was a dedicated and loving mother, always encouraging her three children to explore and expand their talents while instilling strong values. She made sure to expose them to cultural experiences in the arts and music while supporting their various hobbies and athletic endeavors. Her good humor, wisdom and critical eye helped them manage their lives' challenges and achievements. Beverly was proud that all three of her children were able to attend Cranbrook and Kingswood high schools and graduate from excellent colleges and graduate schools.

Beverly and Richard made the most of available vacation times, taking the family on numerous trips throughout the country, including a memorable four-week cross-country sojourn to California. Several summer vacations included weeks at Camp Michigania on Walloon Lake in northern Michigan. Later years featured weeklong family gatherings at Squam Lake, near Penny and Ron's home in Holderness, New Hampshire. Many summer weekends were spent with Richard's family at their Union Lake cottage. Holidays were often celebrated with extended family gatherings with Beverly's sisters or Richard's siblings.

As her children moved into their teens, Beverly's focus turned to developing her own skills and talents. She resumed her formal education and began attending nearby Oakland University, often driving on Michigan's wintry roads to get to classes. She graduated with a BA in history and soon followed that by earning a master's degree in history with a focus on Women's Studies. This work reinforced her commitment to women's rights and the Equal Rights Amendment. Her interest in current events and political issues continued throughout her life.

As part of her studies, she also earned her teaching certificate and after graduation, she began a teaching career. She taught night school classes in history to high school GED students and those looking to pass the tests needed attain American citizenship. She also taught senior citizen art classes in Madison Heights, Michigan.

Beverly's interest in history led to genealogy and investigating her family's roots. She became an avid participant in the Mershon family association, tracing her mother's family back to the 17th century French Huguenots as well as identifying ancestors that qualified her to become a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

While raising children and pursuing her own education and teaching, Beverly never lost interest in her artistic endeavors. Whether creating posters for the neighborhood associations or helping with children's projects, her talents were in demand. She soon resumed painting classes at the nearby Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center and continued to do so for many years. There, she was an active participant in many juried art exhibitions which often included her watercolor works – her favored medium. Beverly also became a member and supporter of the Lawrence Street Gallery in Ferndale, Michigan, where, again, she was a frequent exhibitor at the gallery's shows. Her talent and skills were recognized with entries included in the Michigan Water Color Society shows. Additionally, during this time, with her interests in art and the Cranbrook Schools, she served as docent for tours of the Booth House and Cranbrook campus.

Eventually, Beverly and Richard left their beloved Michigan home for warmer climes near their son Brian in the Dallas, Texas area. Moving to a nearby retirement community, they made friends and Beverly was able to continue her artistic and educational pursuits. They attended many plays, symphony concerts and exhibits along with Brian and his wife, Patricia (Trish). Beverly became an active member of the Trinity Arts Group, again painting and contributing her work to shows. She also became a member of the local chapter of the American Association of University Women and their related book clubs. Keeping up with the times, thanks to Penny and Trish, she participated for several years via Zoom in weekly art classes hosted by the Artistic Roots group in New Hampshire.

As living alone after Richard's passing became more challenging, Beverly eventually moved to an assisted living community closer to Brian and Trish, who were able to visit her regularly.

In addition, to her three children and their spouses (Douglas and Barbara Smith, Brian and Trish Smith, and Penelope and Ron Huynen), Beverly is survived by beloved nieces and nephews, 8 grandchildren and four young great granddaughters.