Beatrice “Bea” Joyce Fye Smith

Mrs. Beatrice “Bea” Joyce Fye Smith, age 92, of Zebulon, passed away November 30, 2023, at her home. She was born in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania on September 10, 1931. Bea married Blair Joseph Smith on July 15, 1953, while he was serving in the US Navy. In the early years of their marriage, they lived on several military bases across the United States. After his military service, they resided in Florida, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and returned to Georgia, settling in Zebulon in 1996. Bea was busy raising their five children as a homemaker and a baker throughout their marriage.  Her love of baking led her to open her home bakery in Pennsylvania baking pies, cakes, and her specialty, cheese cakes. She enjoyed flower arranging, ceramics, was an avid antique collector, was a member of bowling leagues, enjoyed tennis, and volunteered locally as a Girl Scout leader.   

She was a member of Oak Hill Baptist Church. Her strong faith and conviction in the Lord guided her through the challenges of being Blair's main caregiver after he suffered a traumatic brain injury in 1993 until his passing in 2005.

 

She is survived by her children: Karen White (John), Jerilynn (Jeri) Bozeman (Steve), Chad Smith (Tawna), and Todd Smith (Tammy).

 

Grandchildren: Jared White, Kasey Bozeman, Aimee Bozeman, Brian Smith (Nicole), Katherine Winkleman (Ken), Nicholas Smith, Samuel Smith, Ava Smith and five great-grandchildren.

 

Bea was preceded in death by her husband Blair, and son, Hal. 

 

There will be a visitation at Moody Daniel Funeral Home (Zebulon, Georgia) on Monday, December 4, 2023, from 1:00 to 2:00 pm followed by a graveside service in Moody Memorial Gardens. Chaplin Winfred Dixson will officiate. 

 

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to all of “Queen Bea’s” caregivers. They were not simply caregivers; they all became family members.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Angels of Eternal Hope Foundation, 123 North 18th Street, Griffin, GA 30223 (eternalhopehealthcare.com).