Mary Beverly Smith (Gillenwaters)

Mary Beverly Gillenwaters Smith of Knoxville, 92, was welcomed home to Heaven on March 23, 2025. Mary was born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee. She attended Central High School; the University of Tennessee; and Walters State Community College where she completed a much-desired nursing degree. She worked in various local hospitals throughout her career. Mary was raised in the Baptist church but changed denominations and became a "sprinkler" after joining her husband in his ministry as a Presbyterian pastor and she as a pastor's hard-working wife. Mary was a fantastic cook who brought to her family's table good home cooking and well as dishes from around the world. She did this even on a 1950's-70's pastor's salary. All her husband's parishioners delighted in her annual Open House around Christmas time where they would sample delicious hand-made cookies, cakes, and other delicacies. Mary was a talented artist being able to move through all types of media. She was an adept seamstress who could look at a child's piece of clothing and replicate it to the delight of her two daughters. Mary astounded her family and others with her additional skills in woodcarving, drawing, and painting. In the late 1960's her family moved to Gatlinburg, TN where Mary illustrated several businesses' projects. She was preceded in death by her husband, Reverend Dr. William O. Smith; brother, James Gillenwaters; sister, Jamie Blankenship; and parents, James and Marguerite Gillenwaters. Surviving family members include: Barbara Williamson (Rodney) of Cosby; David W. Smith (Bess Reedy) of Knoxville, and Susan McCarter of Knoxville; brother, Richard Gillenwaters (Willie Mae) of Knoxville; grandchildren: James Andrew Williamson; Beverly Lillie (Alex); Sara Myers; Dr. Martin Williamson (Jenny); Seth Myers (Codi); great grandchildren: Aiden Williamson; Thomas Williamson; Gwyer Lillie; lan Myers; Kennedy Williamson; Nathaniel Williamson; and Liam Williamson.

Fountain City Presbyterian Church will host a Celebration of Life on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 10:30am. Then, friends and family will meet at Greenwood Cemetery at 2:45pm for a 3:00pm graveside service with Carl Grosse officiating. 

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Threads of Hope Missions, or Belize Group Mission both at Fountain City Presbyterian Church, or your local animal shelter.

Mynatt Funeral Home, Fountain City Chapel is honored to serve the family of Mary Beverly Gillenwaters Smith.