Elizabeth H. Thrift

March 12, 1977 – December 24, 2023

Elizabeth was born to William K and Carol Ann Howie in Thomasville NC where she lived the majority of her life. She attended Thomasville City Schools and Davidson County Schools. Beth played many childhood sports but found joy and pride being on the cheerleading squad for Thomasville. She graduated from East Davidson High School where she was honored with many titles, Homecoming court, Miss Veterans Day, Miss Sophomore and others. After graduation she enrolled at University of NC Greensboro and later University of NC Asheville where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Art.

Beth was as passionate about the arts as she was gifted in creating them. As a student she concentrated her attention on oil paintings, a medium that continued to capture Beth’s focus throughout her life. She was commissioned to create custom pieces for her customers both as canvases and murals. She later turned her love of the arts into a business when she opened Bread and Butter Productions. There Beth shared her visions as customers from around the world ordered her products. Beth’s life was presented to everyone in the brush strokes she waved and she left the world more colorful from her talents.

Even as a child she was kind and compassionate, known in her family as the peacemaker. These traits followed her all her life as did her faith. In her college years she happened on a convenience store clerk in the aftermath of an armored robbery. He had been shot and critically wounded. She called the emergency service and applied pressure to control bleeding until they arrived. She was recognized at the annual citizens award banquet in Greensboro NC.

After working for more than a decade as a graphic artist Beth moved to South Carolina. She taught art with Horry County Schools before the pandemic and continued graphic art as a freelance artist. Prior to her death she worked from her home in Conway as a project editor for Yulista Solutions.

Beth was the loving mother of her two sons and loves of her life, Gaston Charles Thrift and Emmitt Rollins Thrift. She is also survived by her parents and brothers William Kenneth Howie II (Melissa) and Benjamin Lee Howie (Lindsey), nephews Christian Andrew Graham, Gray Stevens Howie, Benjamin Lee Howie II and Kenneth James (Buddy) Howie, nieces Aubrie Celeste Howie and Lydian Jamesly Howie.

Acknowledgement

The family wishes to express our sincere gratitude to all those who have offered support during this time.

The Howie Family