Beatrice "Bea" Lee Smitherman

Beatrice Lee Smitherman January 7, 1920 – January 26, 2016 Beatrice Lee (“Bea”) Smitherman, 96, passed away at Wilson Pines Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Wilson, on Tuesday, January 26, 2016. Born January 7, 1920 in Johnston County, she was the daughter, of the late Iowa Tennessee Lee and the late Violet Barbour Lee. She was the eldest of eight children, survived by Marie Snyder (Johnny) of Roanoke Rapids. Coming from a large family, Bea was blessed with ten children of her own. Much happiness was gleaned from these intimate relationships with the importance of family passed down from generation to generation. Traveling with her family was a favorite pastime where many wonderful memories were made. Last minute trips to wherever were not uncommon but always welcomed. She was truly the matriarch of her large family who never failed to cheer with a song and dance. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren visited in awe seeing her lively spirit well into her 90’s. Although Alzheimer’s had taken over some aspects by the end of her life, we could count on her trying to sing the words whether a traditional hymnal or Hank Williams song if we held the speaker up to her ear. She had a great work ethic that served her well having to arrive before the sun came up at the Wilson Doughnut Shop for many years. She was a woman of great faith and member of Peace Church. She is survived by her devoted husband, Robert L. Smitherman; three sons, Tommy Creech (Nelda) of Newport, Wayne Smitherman (Sharon) of Bradenton, Florida, Garland Smitherman (Marianne) of Wilson; son-in-law, Gordon Joyner of Elm City and daughters Patsy Etheridge (Allen), Deborah Coffey and Richard (Dick), Angelyn Smitherman (fiancée Craig Danielson) all of Wilson, Deanna Scott of Apex; goddaughter, Donna King of Wilson. Mrs. Smitherman is also survived by 21 grandchildren, many great grandchildren and several great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her first husband, George Creech; son, Jerry Creech; daughters, Jeannette Creech and Rachel Creech Joyner; son-in-law, J. Alvin Scott and grandchildren, Mark Wayne Joyner, Beverly Etheridge Spencer, Kent (Termite) Spencer, and George Anthony Creech. Her funeral services will be conducted at 3 p.m. Friday at Joyner’s Funeral Home, Wilson. Interment will follow in Evergreen Memorial Park, Wilson. The Rev. Rusty Russell will officiate. The family will receive friends at 1 – 2:45 p.m. Friday prior to service at Joyner’s Funeral Home, 4100 Raleigh Road Parkway, Wilson. Memorial contributions are welcome and should be mailed to the Alzheimer\'s Association 1305 Navaho Drive, Suite 101, Raleigh, North Carolina 27605 or by going to alz.org. Special thanks to all the people at Wilson Pines Nursing and Rehabilitation Center that contributed to the well-being of Bea during her stay there. Condolences may be directed to www.joyners.net.