Rebecca “Becky” Casey McDowell Smith, 66, died Thursday, January 8, 2015 at Beacon Place after an extended battle with Multiple Sclerosis.
Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 pm Monday, January 12, 2015 at Guilford College United Methodist Church. Family will receive friends from 12:30 – 1:45 pm at the Church. Following the Funeral Service, Becky will be laid to rest at Forest Lawn Cemetery.
Becky was born April 13, 1948 in Greensboro, NC to the late Joseph Edgar McDowell, Sr. and Helen Rebecca Casey McDowell. Becky graduated from Guilford Senior High School where she was a varsity cheerleader, a member of the homecoming court and senior class secretary. Becky was a homemaker (or as she preferred “Domestic Goddess”), and was devoted to her husband and children. She was a school volunteer, and was particularly fond of reading to students in class. Becky enjoyed books, movies, music and live theater. When she was able, Becky loved to golf, and was an avid bowler, serving as the secretary and treasurer of her bowling leagues.
Becky is survived by her husband, Johnnie Smith, son Greg Smith and wife Amanda; daughter Andrea Smith Long and husband David; brother Joseph Edgar McDowell, Jr. and wife Cindy; and two grandchildren Miranda Long and Caitlin Smith all of Greensboro.
She is preceded in death by her sister Brenda Leigh McDowell.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro, 2500 Summit Avenue, Greensboro, 27405 or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 2211 West Meadowview Road, Greensboro, NC 27407.
Forbis and Dick-Guilford Chapel is serving the Smith Family. Online condolences may be offered at www.forbisanddick.com.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the Greensboro Hospice and Palliative Care for their support this past year.
Raymond Greene
It is so sad! Becky was as sweet as it gets and had one of the best atitudes even with her battle with MS. She was an inspiration. Funny how things work out. In High School I considered her as my girl friend for a very short period of time. Boy was I way over my head. However she became a good friend after that and was just a wonderful support of me. As time moved on my wife and I developed a friendship with her and Johnny and used to go to there house and play cards and just hang out. We had a great time remembering our times in High School and the experiences we had. lots of laughs. She dearly loved her children and what supper young people there are. I could go on forever with memories of Becky but I would like to say I am proud that I knew her and will always charish that. My life is better becasue of her.
No question she got an express jet to heaven! She will be missed
Raymond Greene.
June Nelson (Howard)
This picture captures the last time I saw Becky & Johnnie, in 1996 at our 30th Class reunion. She was so happy to be there! We go way back to 5th grade when we were both in Mrs. Bray's class. I have many good memories of times we shared in school and later when she and I worked for her father at Southern Life Insurance Company. I was grateful she recommended me for my first office job while I was in business school. It was great training for a "newbie" before I moved on to Western Electric in 1968. Her bubbly personality would always lift my spirits, and I will cherish the time we spent together in our younger years. May God bless Johnnie and the rest of her family in their time of grief.
Celebrating Becky's life, June Nelson Howard
Linda Christiansen (O'Briant)
I will always remember Becky as the beautiful, smart, fun loving girl we knew in high schoo! She was totally devoted to Johnnie, the love of her life and their two wonderful children and now grandchildren.
She fought the good fight and never lost her sense of humor and zest for life to the end! RIP....the sweet memories will live in our hearts and minds forever!
Cathy Barefoot (Guidetti)
Thank you for that lovely picture of Becky and her husband, June. I remember her smile when I think of her - and you're all correct that she was sweet, energetic and fun-loving. Thank you all for your memories since I can't remember when I last saw her, as I missed our 30th reunion. But she is truly unforgettable.
Linda Christiansen (O'Briant)
Mike and I attended Becky's service and so glad we did!!! She would have been thrilled that so many of her classmates were there....loved seeing the prom picture, wedding pictures(I was her Maid of Honor!) etc...Becky had a heart as big as the moon for her family and friends!! Johnnie was absolutely devoted to her until the end.
We will remember her for how she lived and not how she died.....Rest in Peace sweet, beautiful Becky!!!
Bill Ivey
Would have liked to have been there. She was indeed a wonderful person. Funny how the memory fades. I remember either her or I bumming occasional cigarettes off each other. She was always happy and upbeat and such a smile. Makes me wish I were a little more spiritual but if there is a heaven she will definitely be there.
Marilyn Allred (Trivett)
Deepest condolences to Becky's family. My last memory was a nice conversation at one of the class
reunions about her young son and his musical performances. Her love and enthusiastic response
to anything pertaining to family or home was obvious. We even shared the "do-it-youself" joys
of painting our own homes. Her confidence and happiness radiated through her bright smile
and sparkling eyes. She will be missed.
Marilyn Allred Trivett
Jerry Carrick
Those that have shared their memories have pretty much said it all in respect to the Becky McDowell I knew.. My classmate family spent alot of years together, years that not knowing at the time would be apart of who we are today.. What a fast ride it has been, but what great memories we have..
From a early age Becky was a friend, she was one of the few girls I could be around and talk to without a girlfriend/boyfriend relationship.. I remember spending time after school talking with her on the bench outside the gym.. James Walls was often mentioned in those conversations, she had a crush on him.. James was like most of us juvenile boys at that age, we liked girls but had rather go cat fishing with the guys than hold hands with them..
I remember thinking during our final years in High School, that Johnny Smith was one lucky dude dating Becky.. I got to know him at local hangouts and he is a great guy.. If I've got my story straight he was Tony Mathena's step brother..
Thank you classmates for sharing your memories of Becky, what great ones they are.. Since High School I spoke with her for a few monments at our 30th reunion, I which there had been more opportunities..
I know she is sorely missed, her family is in my prayers..
Jerry Carrick
Chriss McCracken
You know, you always think you will live well into your 80's, & 90's and maybe declining health in the latter years. Well, life wasn't like that for Becky, but she never let that get her down. We talked on the phone numerous times about the good ole days. Becky was always, always the most upbeat person I have ever known.
I will truly miss the ray of sunshine she was & her wonderful love of life.
My deepest sympathy to her family.
Chriss McCracken Thompson