Beverly Patterson Smith, of Manchester, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at her home on June 15, 2026, just the way she wanted it to be when her time came. Her passing came on the 75th anniversary of her marriage to the late Robert (Bob) E. Smith, Jr. She was 96 years old.
Beverly was born August 8, 1929, in Pulaski, TN, the daughter of the late David H. (Pat) Patterson and the late Mary Clare Harwood Patterson.
Due to her father’s position with National Life & Casualty Insurance Co. she lived in Tennessee, Alabama, and Texas during her childhood and youth. She always considered Pulaski to be her hometown. She returned to Pulaski to attend Martin College and then transferred to the University of Alabama to graduate in 1950. She remained a loyal, but understated, Alabama fan for the rest of her life, while the rest of her family were long-suffering Vanderbilt and Tennessee fans.
After their marriage in 1951, the young couple began their life together in Cleveland, Ohio, while Bob prepared to begin his career at the Arnold Engineering Development Center in Tullahoma. Later that year, they moved to Manchester, where they remained for the rest of their lives, raising three sons and becoming active members of their church and community. She was a faithful member of First Methodist Church for 75 years serving in numerous volunteer and leadership roles and remaining actively involved until her passing.
Beyond her church service, she also served on the Manchester City Library Board and volunteered with several nonprofit organizations. In her later years, she cherished time spent playing cards and games with her dear friends. These gatherings were always filled with lively conversation, laughter, and at least a little dessert. She treasured time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and enjoyed being a part of their lives as the family continued to grow. She will be remembered for her gracious Southern spirit, quiet strength, and deep devotion to her family, friends, church, and community.
Survivors include sons, David (Lucy) Smith of Knoxville, TN, Stephen (Debbie) Smith of Brentwood, TN, and Gordon (Sally) Smith of Franklin, TN; grandchildren Ryan (Sarah) Smith, Hayley (Bret) Huskey, Rob (Anna) Smith, Millicent (Kanen) Clement, and Jeanette (Jared) Stultz; and eleven great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Her Life will be held at the First Methodist Church in Manchester on July 9, 2026. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11 a.m. & the service will be held at 11:00 a.m. followed by burial in the Rose Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Mrs. Smith’s memory may be made to the Boy Scouts of America, Samaritan’s Purse, First Methodist Church in Manchester or a charity of your choice.
