Beverly Wilson Smith

Beverly Irene Wilson Smith passed away on Sunday, the 10th of April 2022, holding hands with her family, who were by her side. She moved into the arms of God with the same spirit that constantly operated in the background of her life, one of love in her heart, acceptance for the moment, and peace. However, this quiet and effortless transition from life to death cannot begin to represent the powerful force of love, vivaciousness, and wisdom that this mother, grandmother, wife, sister, friend, trail boss, and cowgirl was in the world. To say she will be deeply and profoundly missed is a Texas-sized understatement.

Beverly was born in Brownsville, Texas, on the 12th of September 1943. Her parents, Dora Irene Charpiot Wilson, and E.E. “Jack” Wilson, had two teenage boys, Welcome Wade and Jack Emilus at the time of her birth. Being the youngest child, only daughter, and already radiating with her kind and playful demeanor, Beverly was adored by her parents and brothers from the very beginning.

After moving to Humble, Texas, where she spent her childhood, Beverly grew into an intelligent and beautiful young woman. She was crowned "Miss Humble" in 1961 and graduated from Humble High School.

While attending the University of Houston, Beverly met her first husband, Archie Bennett, Jr. She and Archie married and, remarkably, had six children in five years, including two sets of identical twins. The eight of them settled in West Houston, and under the influence of Beverly's open-heartedness, she made their home the "place to be" for all the friends that came with six "kiddos," as she called them. It has been said that Beverly didn't raise six children but 60 because of her open-door policy to young friends and neighbors. The children and their parents just knew it would be a safe and fun environment. Despite having so many children, she celebrated every birthday, prom, and holiday with enthusiasm and attention to detail.

Having taught some of her children how to play various instruments, she helped them form a family band which filled the house and their lives with music. She loved and taught her children to appreciate country music from the 70’s and 80’s.

Beverly was a loving mother and over the years, became an adoring and affectionate grandmother to her eighteen grandchildren.

Beverly made a full life for herself in Houston, making many lifelong friends through her work in the Junior Forum, expressing herself through the art of oil painting, and participating in countless social and philanthropic activities. Even though city life was easy for her, Beverly always felt deeply connected with nature. So, in 1971 The Lazy B Running Horse Ranch was acquired and renamed The Lazy W Ranch years later. Beverly, her family, and countless friends spent summers and weekends throughout the year riding horses, participating in local rodeos, and delighting in the carefree heaven-like atmosphere she brought to the ranch. Beverly welcomed everyone who wanted to enjoy a time of ease, nature, and fun. This true Texas cowgirl taught many how to ride horses, rope cattle, run a trotline, shoot skeet, train a colt, and rescue any animal in need, including an enormous Texas rat-snake she insisted be allowed to live in the breezeway.

Because her faith was an essential part of her life, she took great pride in hosting various Christian and church groups bringing many retreats and workshops to the ranch. She faithfully attended New Hope Methodist Church in Field Store, Texas until her passing.

At the ranch, she discovered her love of riding horses and what became one of her greatest joys, being part of the Salt Grass Trail Ride. Beverly participated in her first trail ride in 1976 and rode every year until she couldn’t ride any more. She formed a trail ride, “The Desperados” in 1978, which began as a casual riding group, but in 1980 became an official wagon on The Salt Grass Trail. As one of the first female wagon bosses, Beverly was an icon of both The Desperados and the Salt Grass Trail Ride. She ran a tight ship but with a gentle hand, treating everyone like family. Under her stewardship, “The Desperados” won "Best Wagon" almost every other year, and last year, “The Desperados” won "Best Appearing Wagon" in the rodeo parade. Because of her inclusiveness and dynamic leadership, “The Desperados” remain a legacy for Beverly and many family and friends.

Beverly was proud to be a Lifetime Committeeman for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and was a member of the International Committee. She also served as chairman of the public relations committee for the Salt Grass Trail Ride.

In 1991 Beverly fell in love with and married the love of her life, Gary Darling Smith, whom she loved and adored until her death. Their chemistry and friendship bonded them as they shared many mutual interests, including music, trail riding, church and the ranch. Gary has two sons, and Beverly loved them as her own. Together they lived at the Lazy W Ranch for many years involving themselves heavily in the Field Store community. They were also very involved in cattle ranching, petroleum distribution, and real estate. They were married 31 years.

Beverly was predeceased by her mother, father and brother, Jack.

She is survived by her husband, Gary D. Smith; her brother, Welcome Wade Wilson; her children, Archie Bennett III and his wife Barbara, Montgomery Jack Bennett and his wife Sarah, Mathew Wade Bennett, Beverly Rene Bennett Flood, Audra Marie Bennett Maxwell, Alayna Jo Bennett Max, Scott Darling Smith and his wife Erin, and Douglas Dorman Smith. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Rachael Alexandra Bennett, Corbin Montgomery Martin, Maren Alayna Flood, Forest Reed Martin, Bryce Manning Martin, Bridey Margaret Flood, Jacqueline Cecelia Bennett, Clement McGuire Flood, Felicity Rene Maxwell, Beverly Callan Flood, Brucie Alayna Maxwell, Tully June Maxwell, Dylan Darling Smith, Shane Scott Smith, Louis Anthony Darrouzet II, Liliana Marie Darrouzet, Jack Carter Bennett, Stella Dean Smith, Lucas Wade Bennett, William Jennings Smith.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from five o’clock in the afternoon until seven o’clock in the evening on Monday, the 18th of April, in the parlor and grand foyer of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.

A funeral service is to be conducted at eleven o’clock in the morning on Tuesday, the 19th of April, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, where her son, Matt Bennett will serve as celebrant.

Interment will immediately follow, via escorted cortege, at Field Store Cemetery in Waller, Texas.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial offerings be directed to New Hope Methodist Church, Field Store Community, 26104 Schneider Road, Waller, TX. 77484 (or simply click the link below).

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