Beverly J. Smith

Beverly J. Smith passed away peacefully at home on May 18, 2024. Beverly is survived by her 3 children, Jeff Smith (Tomoko) in Tokyo, Jenny Russell (David) in St. Cloud and Emily Smith in London; 5 grandchildren, McKenna, Claire, Teddy, Julia, and Johnny; grand dog, Cleo; siblings, Alan (Karen) Fagan and Sandy (Jon) Fagre.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Glenn Smith; her parents, Roy and Helen; and her brother, Bob Fagan.

Beverly was a devoted mother and grandmother. She valued education and supported her children and grandchildren's excellence in school and other pursuits. Beverly was an art teacher and gifted and talented consultant for 20+ years in the Des Moines Public Schools. She helped thousands of children enjoy learning during her career. Even in retirement, she continued as a substitute teacher further encouraging children to love learning. She made a huge impact at every school where she worked.

Beverly was also an active member of various charitable and social organizations including P.E.O., Alpha Delta Kappa and Planned Parenthood. She made and kept friends wherever she went. She was a member of a long-standing bridge group for 50+ years.

Beverly was fond of travelling and visiting her children and grandchildren all over the world. When she wasn’t doting over her grandchildren, teaching or participating in charitable organizations you could find her meeting with her friends at happy hour. She also made the best chocolate chip cookies.

A memorial celebration of life, with a time of sharing, will be held on August 3, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Plymouth Church. Afterwards, Beverly will be laid to rest next to her husband at Highland Memory Garden at 11:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Planned Parenthood of the Iowa (to give to Iowa specifically): https://shorturl.at/PsurA or to Everybody Wins! Iowa, When you read with a child, everybody wins!: https://everybodywinsiowa.org/

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