Derrill Beat

Derrill Smith Beat, 96, of Sylvania, Ohio, passed away at Kingston Residence of Sylvania on December 7, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. She was born at home in Newberry, South Carolina on October 2, 1927. Derrill lived her entire adult life in Toledo, Ohio. She was adored for her pleasing southern charm and hospitality.

Derrill was preceded in death by her very precious husband of 71 years William “Bill” Beat, her father R. Derrill Smith Jr., her mother Julia M. Smith, her brother R. Clayton Smith, her sisters Lucy Lambeth and Julia Randel.

She is survived by her three sons Robert D. Beat and his wife Ann of Lima, Ohio, Lawrence W. Beat of Mary Esther, Florida, Douglas N. Beat and his wife Sue of Holland, Ohio, her 8 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

Derrill’s hard-working parents provided her an idyllic southern home centered on unwavering love, total support and religious reverence. She could never thank them enough for her beautiful and cherished childhood.

She graduated from Newberry High School on June 6, 1944; the same day her future husband’s destroyer was sunk during the D-Day invasion. She graduated from Newberry College with a BA in Business Administration in 1947.

She fell fast in love with Bill Beat, a naval officer candidate, at Newberry College. She was only 18 years old when they married. Their devoted love for one another was vibrant for 71 years of bliss!

Derrill was the matriarch of her three boys. She provided them direction and a strong moral compass. A mother full of love, she unconditionally encouraged and nourished. She gave her young men all the freedom they needed to be themselves and seek their dreams. Through her persistence, guidance and support, her men all graduated from college and led successful and distinguished careers.

Derrill loved music from an early age. She played the trumpet in her high school band. In her hometown Aveleigh Presbyterian Church, she played the piano and organ as well as singing in the choir. She enjoyed singing with her beloved husband Bill at the kitchen table almost every night. They also performed together in several parent-teacher musicals at Start High School.

Derrill loved gardening and flowers. As a Southern Belle she insisted on planting a dogwood tree in her front yard. Despite Toledo’s harsh winters, she delighted as the tree flourished for nearly half a century.

After Bill retired, they embarked on a dozen adventures to Europe over many years. During a number of these trips, they lived with two different French families who became their dear friends. The highlight of all their journeys was celebrating the 50th anniversary of the D-Day invasion in both France and England. Their visit to Utah Beach where Bill’s destroyer was sunk off the coast was moving and poignant.

Derrill set a sumptuous table. Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners with friends and family were legendary. Her Newberry Dunbar Macaroni was always a crowd pleaser. Her famous hometown dish consisted of macaroni, tomatoes and cheese. She was a 25-year volunteer for Meals on Wheels providing for the nutritional and social needs of vulnerable seniors throughout the Toledo area. She was a longtime active member of Christ Presbyterian Church in Toledo. She served as a deacon, an elder and Sunday school teacher. She also supported her church in the Andrews Fellowship and Mariners Club.

Derrill had an immense heart and a loving generosity. Affectionately known to her grandchildren as "Mama," her sincere style and grace made everyone feel at home. Derrill’s charisma and attractive smile enriched the lives of all who knew her. Derrill’s love, warm hugs and robust zest for life will be dearly missed. Although a settling sun brings darkness, Mama will shine forever in our treasured and loving memories.

Our sincerest thank you to ProMedica Hospice and to the staff at Kingston Residence in Sylvania for the loving care they provided for our mother.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, December 15, 2023, with visitation from 11:00 am-1:00 pm and the service begins at 1:00 pm at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Avenue. The burial will be at a later date at Rosemont Cemetery in Newberry, South Carolina. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Mobile Meals on Toledo, located at 2200 Jefferson Avenue, Toledo, Ohio 43604 and Christ Presbyterian Church located at 4225 W. Sylvania Avenue, Toledo, Ohio 43623.