Elizabeth Rose Smith

Elizabeth “Liz” Rose Smith, 93, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away at her home in Tallahassee on September 26, 2025. Born December 10, 1931 in Brockton, Massachusetts, Liz spent most of her life in Florida, growing up in Clearwater.

Liz attended The Florida State University, where she met her husband of 71 years, James C. Smith, Jr. She earned her Master’s Degree before getting married in August, 1954. Lifelong partners, Liz and Jim shared many passions, not the least of which was their mountain retreat in Franklin, North Carolina where they hosted family and many friends for over 50 years.

A long standing member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Liz was devoted to Educational Ministries, including Lay Academy, Disciple classes, and Sunday school. Liz served as Trinity’s Lay Leader. For several years she wrote a column for the Monthly Tidings called “Mustard Seeds.” She was an active member of the United Methodist Women for over 30 years, leading multiple retreats. Her “Friday Study Group” brought her great joy, fellowship, and cherished friendships for many years.

Liz was passionate about her family, providing an endless source of love and support throughout her lifetime. She was an accomplished seamstress and tailor, a coffee lover (Lucky Goat, Southern Pecan), and a fitness enthusiast. Working with a personal trainer well into her 80’s, Liz did 80 pushups on her 80th birthday! She was a devoted friend, an extremely gifted writer, and will be best remembered for her beautiful handwritten notes, shared with, and treasured by, so many.

Liz was preceded in death by her parents, Marjorie Clarke Rose and Walter Butler Rose; her sister, Dr. Patricia A. Rose; her two sons, Richard Clarke Smith and James Howe Smith. She is survived by her husband, Dr. James C. Smith, Jr; her two daughters, Anne Smith Selvey (Tim) and Patricia Smith Willis (Ben); her daughter-in-law, Joy Hermanowski Smith; three grandchildren, James Daniel Smith (Camila), Matthew Charles Smith (Lucy), and Alexandra Rae Selvey; and her great-granddaughter, Charlotte Duke Smith.

A private family service will be held in late November at the Trinity Memorial Garden. A Celebration of Life will be held for family and friends at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Big Bend Hospice at 1723 Mahan Center Blvd, Tallahassee, FL 32308, bigbendhospice.org

Samaritan’s Purse at P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607, samaritanspurse.org