Elizabeth “Beth” Meadors Hutchins, of Covington, Georgia, passed away on May 5, 2026, at the age of

97. She was born on August 26, 1928, in Conyers, Georgia, to Melvin and Gertrude Crumbley Smith.

Beth grew up on the beautiful farm she loved, often expressing how happy she was to have been a

“country girl.” Her three older brothers were Arthur Hugh Smith, George Smith, and Gene Smith. The

family’s farmland later became the site of what is now Lowe’s. She attended and graduated from Conyers

High School and continued her education at Tift College in Forsyth before earning her Bachelor of

Science degree in Education from Oglethorpe University in Atlanta.

In 1950, she married Jack Lee Meadors of Covington. They had four children: Karen, Renee’, Lee, and

Elizabeth. They were married for 49 years before Jack’s death in 1999.

Beth devoted 30 years to teaching elementary school in Rockdale and Newton Counties, where she made

a lasting impact on generations of students. She was deeply committed to her faith and was an active

member of First United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday School, participated in the WSCS,

and belonged to the Callie Cohen Circle.

Gardening was one of Beth’s greatest joys. She was a member of the Green Thumb Garden Club and later

the Covington Garden Club. Her service extended into many areas of the community, including leadership

roles with the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. She also served as historian for the Sergeant Newton Chapter

of the DAR and was a member of the Newton County Friends of the Library and the Newton County

Retired Teachers Association.

In 2000, Beth married James Brooks Hutchins. They made their home on Church Street in Covington and

were active members of First Baptist Church of Covington. Together, they enjoyed traveling and

spending time with family.

Beth was preceded in death by her first husband, Jack Lee Meadors; her daughter, Renee’ Meadors

Hansen; her second husband, James Brooks Hutchins; and her parents, Melvin and Gertrude Smith.

She is survived by her children: Karen Meadors Miller (Danny), Jack Lee Meadors, Jr. (Joy), and

Elizabeth Meadors Giannace (Rod); her grandchildren Lindsey West (Keith), Dana Miller, Elizabeth

Hansen, Maria Carlock (Joe), Jack Meadors (Rene’), Caroline Meadors, Justin Giannace (Allison), and

Ann Marie Giannace; her great-grandchildren Clover West, Maddox and Mason Carlock, Rosalia and

Holly Meadors, and Levi, Nora, and Wesley Giannace; and many nieces and nephews.

Beth will be remembered for her warm spirit, her love of family and community, and the many lives she

touched through her years of teaching and service.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 8, at 3:00 p.m. at Covington First United Methodist Church.

Visitation will be held prior to the service, beginning at 2:00 p.m., in the sanctuary. Flowers are happily

accepted, since Beth loved them so. Memorial contributions may be made to a church or charity of your

choosing.