Beverly "Bev" Ann Smith

Beverly Ann Smith, 83, of Watkinsville, was born July 1, 1943 and entered her heavenly home on October 28, 2026.

Bev was born and raised on a farm outside of a small town in South Dakota. Her love story with her husband, Gary, began when they were 6 years old, long before they could have imagined the beautiful life that lay ahead. In high school, she was a cheerleader, worked on the annual, and was editor of the school newspaper. In 1961, Bev and Gary married and began a life together that would span an incredible 65 years and one day.

They started their married life in Aberdeen, SD where Bev worked to support Gary while he attended college. They moved to New Brighton, MN and were blessed with 2 daughters, Sherri and Tina, who she loved deeply. Being their Mom was one of Bev’s greatest joys. She was always involved in her daughters’ activities and supported them in everything they did. During their school years, she was the Room Mom, Bluebird leader, PTA President and New Brighton Stockyard Days Coronation Chairperson. When her daughters were in high school, Bev began managing several small shopping centers in the New Brighton area and became friends with many of the tenants.

Throughout her life, Bev embraced new places and experiences. She lived in Iowa for 5 years and enjoyed working for a custom home builder there. Gary and Bev later moved to Missouri and loved living in the Branson area for 14 years. They treasured their years there taking in all of the entertainment the city had to offer. They attended hundreds of shows and especially enjoyed meeting the entertainers. In 2008, they moved to Georgia to be closer to their grandchildren. 

Bev adored her 5 grandchildren – Jared, Jonathan, Ben, Nathan and Ashley - and truly shined when they were around. She spoiled them with love and encouragement and enjoyed being a part of each of their lives. Her grandchildren brought her immense joy and she treasured every opportunity to be with them.

 For more than 65 years, Bev and Gary were partners in every sense of the word—building a family, supporting one another, exploring the world, and creating a lifetime of treasured memories. Their marriage was filled with love, friendship, laughter, and a shared sense of adventure. They didn’t just build a life together; they truly enjoyed living it together. 

Travel was one of their great passions. Together, they explored 48 of the 50 states and traveled to Europe, embracing the opportunity to see new places and experience new things. No destination held a more special place in their hearts than Hawaii, where they visited numerous times. 

Bev walked her faith every day and was an active member of Christus Victor Lutheran Church, where she always made the best coffee fellowship treats. We find comfort knowing she now rests in her heavenly Father’s arms.

Bev was a loving, caring person who always looked out for others and was willing to lend a hand. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandma who loved her family immensely. She leaves with us more than memories though – the lessons she taught, traditions she started, and most importantly the deep love for her family. She truly poured her heart and love into each of us. Her kindness, generosity, and unwavering devotion will continue to live on through the people whose lives she touched. She will be tremendously missed.

She is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Gary; daughters Sherri and her husband Henry Munneke and Tina and her husband David Teal; grandchildren Jared and his wife Abbey, Jonathan, Benjamin, Nathan, and Ashley; sisters Reta and her husband Sylvan Smith and Reva Carda, and brother Joe and his wife Linda Torrence; brothers in law Leon Smith and Neal and his wife Joanne Smith; sister in law Gail Torrence, and numerous nieces and nephews who loved their “Auntie Bev”. 

She was the daughter of the late Floyd and Dorothy Torrence. She was the daughter in law of the late Archie and Kathryn Smith, who loved her like a daughter as well. She was also proceeded in death by her brothers Art, Bill, Wes, Arden and Derald Torrence, and her grandson Riley.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, November 1, 2026 at 2:00 at Christus Victor Lutheran Church. The family will greet friends from 1:15 P.M. until the service hour. Immediately following the service, interment will be held at Evergreen Memorial Park in Athens, Georgia. 

Memorials may be made to Christus Victor Lutheran Church in Athens, GA.

Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, WEST, is entrusted with arrangements.