Elizabeth "Beth" Bailey Smith

Artist Beth Smith, 74, placed her final signature on a life well-lived on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at Duke Raleigh Hospital. Elizabeth "Beth" Bailey Smith was born March 9, 1950 in Jacksonville, Florida, the only child of Ed and Edna Young Bailey. After a childhood in Portsmouth, Virginia and Durham, Beth and former husband Ray Smith made Raleigh their home in 1972, and shortly thereafter she established her children's clothing and hand-painted furniture boutique, the Crib Corner. Her art opened the door to many a friendship and lifelong connection. A tenderhearted woman of strong convictions, she supported many cherished causes with gifts of her "heartwork." Although her family of origin was small, Beth gathered friends and distant relatives close and created a home where all who entered belonged. Beth had a sharp sense of humor and enjoyed sharing a laugh, and her lovingly observed watercolor portraits of children, pets, and homes likewise captured the lightness and joy of summertime, her favorite season. In recent years, Beth partnered with her beloved daughter, interior designer and artist Mary Charles Smith, to create Art Around the Block, a community event celebrating local artists. She will be missed by family and a large community of loving lifelong friends, particularly from Louisburg College, the Crib Corner, and the Raleigh art community. Also bereft are two sweet dogs, Ida Claire and Delaney Marguerite. 

A graveside service will be held at 2 o'clock, Tuesday afternoon, December 31, 2024 in the Harris Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Wake SPCA of Wake County, 200 Petfinder Lane, Raleigh, NC 27603 (spcawake.org) of to the Meals on Wheels Wake County, 1001 Blair Drive, Suite 100, Raleigh, NC 27603 (wakemow.org)

Arrangements by Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 1051 Durham Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587. (919-556-7400)

www.cswfuneralhome.com