Martha "Helen" Smith Beasley

Martha Helen Smith Beasley, 93, departed this earth on February 11, 2025, to enter the splendor of heaven where she was greeted by her youngest daughter, Becky Mayer, her parents, many brothers and sisters and other family members for a joyful reunion. Most importantly, she is now with Jesus, her Lord and Savior. “MawMaw’s” whole life was a testimony to God to all who knew and loved her. She believed that “everything happens for a reason” and her favorite Bible verse was Romans 8:28. It was no secret that she prayed faithfully for all of her children and their spouses and her grandchildren that God would be first in their lives and would keep them safe from harm.

A celebration of Helen’s blessed life will be Saturday, February 15, at 12:00 at Glenwood Presbyterian Church, officiated by Rev. Suzanne Schafer-Coates and assisted by Bill Newnam, a lifelong friend. Visitation will precede the service from 11 to 11:45am in the church fellowship hall. Interment will follow the service at Guilford Memorial Park Cemetery.

Helen was born in Stokes County to the late William Grover Smith and Tracy Simmons Smith. A graduate of Greensboro Senior High School, she attended a local business college and became a bookkeeper employed at Daniel Lumber Company. After her third child was born, Helen gave up her job to become a stay at home mom and did the bookkeeping for two of her brothers, working late hours after her children were in bed. She was a lifelong member of Glenwood Presbyterian Church where she met her husband, Bill, in the 5 year old Sunday School class.Through the years, she served as deacon, elder, Sunday school teacher, choir member, ladies’ circle chairperson, Vacation Bible School teacher, and any other jobs that needed her.

Fond memories of Helen (MawMaw) have to include Friday night spaghetti dinners prepared and hosted by her and PawPaw for almost 50 years.This special time for her family, including spouses and their children and friends, grew throughout the years and kept the family close. As her health declined, PawPaw kept this tradition going. He also took on many responsibilities as her primary caregiver.

In addition to her parents, Helen is predeceased by her daughter, Becky Mayer, twin brother Henry Smith, sisters Neda Moorefield, Jackie Chaffin, Jane Anderson and brothers Ellis Gray Smith, Guy Smith, Kenneth Smith, and Brock Smith.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband of 73 years, Bill Beasley, children, Debbie Beasley Kinley, Dave Beasley (Laurie), Sam Beasley (Lynn), Brian Beasley (Jeana), son-in-law Todd Mayer, 13 Grandchildren, 7 Great-grandchildren, and her beloved sister Ruth Smith Watts.

Helen will always be remembered for her positive spirit (“You are as happy as you make yourself”), her wisdom (“Whoever divides the candy bar, the other gets first choice”) and her ability to see the good in everyone.

Memorial contributions can be made to Glenwood Presbyterian Church, 1205 Glenwood Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27403.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Hanes Lineberry North Elm Chapel. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com