Mrs. Elizabeth "Beth" Smalley Stewart Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Elizabeth Ann “Beth” (Smalley) Stewart, 54, of Gilmer, Texas, passed away on May 11, 2017 after a long struggle with Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy Type 1. Beth was born on October 31, 1962 in Texas City, Texas. The second of three children to George Allan (Allan) and Margaret Lucie (Margie) Smalley, Beth had a special place in her heart for cats, and a passionate love for all, especially children. In 1967, the family moved to El Dorado, Arkansas and, in 1973, returned to Texas to reside in Houston. Beth had fond memories of her high school years at Spring Woods High School from which she graduated in 1981. She sang in the choir and was a member of Senior Women. The family was actively involved in the St. Catherine of Sienna Catholic Church community. She spoke often of the many friends she had reconnected with through Facebook which, as her health deteriorated, became her window to the world. Although school was difficult for Beth, she persevered and received her CNA certification. While attending Kilgore College to further her studies, she received an associate degree in Early Childhood Development and Early Childhood Education. Beth met Lennard, her husband, while attending Kilgore College; they were married December 26, 1985 in Houston, TX. They moved to Kilgore for a couple years and then made the transition to Gilmer, TX where they resided for 30 years. Beth’s love for children resulted in working as a day care provider; additionally, she served others as a CNA and home health care provider. Beth loved her nephews, Sean Townsend, Brian Townsend, Matthew Morelli, Nico Morelli and Jamie Morelli, as if they were her own children. She was particularly smitten with her three great nieces. Beth was preceded in death by her mother and father; her mother-in-law, Barbara; sister-in-law, Rebecca Stewart Schaaf and her brother-in-law, Clarence Schaaf. She is survived by her husband, Lennard Stewart; father-in-law, Ray Stewart; her siblings and their families, Sheila Townsend and spouse, John; Charlene (Charlie) Morelli and spouse, Paul; and her 5 nephews and 3 great nieces. A memorial service celebrating Beth’s life will be held at 1 pm on June 3, 2017 at McWhorter Funeral Home, 1074 TX-300, Gilmer, TX 75645 with Bro. Mark Huffines, Bro. Larry Gilliam and Bro. John Hodge officiating. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to fund research of MMD Type 1. Donations by check may be made by mailing to MDA, 8131 LBJ Freeway, Suite 440, Dallas, TX 75251 with a memo notation of “Myotonic Type 1 Research: Elizabeth Stewart”. Donations by phone may be made by calling (972) 480-0011. Online donations may be made through the following link: https://mda.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.personalCampaign&participantID=2306 Please visit Elizabeth’s on-line registration book at www.mcwhorterfh.com to leave a memory for the family.

Mrs. Elizabeth "Beth" Smalley Stewart

October 31, 1962 - May 11, 2017