Obituary of Beth Smith

Beth McAlister Smith was born on April 23, 1960, and passed from this life on May 31, 2014 at age 54. Beth is survived by Richard Smith, her loving and devoted husband of 15 years, and her beloved dogs Mr. Bosco and Little Tess. Beth was the daughter of the late Dorothy Wilson McAlister of Fayetteville, Tennessee and William Donald McAlister of Old Hickory, Tennessee, who survives. She is further survived by her step mother, Vickie Haley McAlister. Beth is also survived by loving brothers and sisters through marriage, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephew and cousins galore. Beth's childhood was spent in Fayetteville where she attended Central High School and was very active and involved in many activities and clubs. She attended college at Middle Tennessee State University, graduating in 1983 with a B.S. degree in psychology. While at MTSU, she was a member and president of Alpha Delta Pi sorority. Beth did not know a stranger and was a friend to all. Lifelong friends and church family meant the world to Beth. Her greatest achievement in life was when she served as Executive Director of Rutherford County Habitat for Humanity. Under her leadership of 12 years, Beth was part of 82 families realizing their dreams of home ownership. Another of Beth's greatest joys was working with Murfreesboro Noon Rotary Club. She joined this organization in January of 2004 and served in many capacities, and was its president during 2009-2010. Beth's favorite local service project was the Dictionary Project. During her years as the chair of the committee, over 10,000 dictionaries were distributed to third graders in Murfreesboro and Rutherford County. Beth and Richard worshipped with the congregation at Rural Hill Church of Christ in Antioch, Tennessee. In lieu of flowers, a contribution to Rutherford County Habitat for Humanity, Rural Hill Church of Christ, Rutherford County Humane Society or P.A.W.S. would have pleased Beth immensely. Visitation with the family will be Saturday, June 7, 2014 from 10:00 am until the Celebration of Life at 1:00 pm at Murfreesboro Funeral Home with Bro. Russ King and Bro. Dan Dozier officiating.