Mary Beckwith

Mary Magdalene Smith Drake Beckwith was born on April 4, 1935 to Bena and Rena Smith in Frozen Creek, KY. She moved north to find work in Michigan at age 18, where she met Ross Burton Drake. They were united in marriage on March 6, 1955. They were married for 16 years and had four children together before he went on to glory. On February 9, 1974, she married Robert E. Beckwith, and the family joyfully expanded to five children. Many happy years were spent on their small farm in Ceresco, Michigan. Mary, also known as Maggie, worked for the Kellogg Company in Battle Creek for over 30 years, and then moved to Sparta, Tennessee when she retired in 1992. For many years, while working full time and raising a family, Maggie attended and volunteered in the Nazarene Church in Battle Creek. She served as a Sunday School teacher for the teen group, Sunday School Superintendent, and was an active Board Member for several years. She enjoyed singing and serving in the church and encouraged her children to do the same. Maggie was a dedicated Christian, world traveler, hard worker, and loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She enjoyed making apple pies, supervising any job nearby, and spending time with her family. She was also a good storyteller, especially when she added a few embellishments! She is survived by her husband, Robert Beckwith, five children: Alan (Sheree) Drake of Sparta, TN; Randall (Linda) Drake of Muskegon, MI; Ed (Janet) Drake of Finleyville, PA, Robert Kevin (Di) Beckwith of Harvest, AL; Jeanne (David) Bruce of Wildwood, FL; 14 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren (with one on the way!), and a host of nieces and nephews. She has been greatly admired and loved by all of them. Maggie was preceded in death by her parents, Bena and Rena Smith, her first husband, Ross Drake, and all 11 of her siblings. Although Maggie will be fondly remembered for her quick wit, sweet smile, and loving heart, it is with confidence and great comfort that her family rejoices, knowing she is with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

Funeral service scheduled for 12:00 p.m., Saturday, June 29, 2024 at Newton United Methodist Church, where the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow the funeral service at Newton Township Cemetery, Rev. Noah Miller officiating. 

 In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the Sparta Church of the Nazarene, either at the funeral, or by going to their Facebook page and clicking on Tithe.ly.