Beverly Ann Ollis Smith, age 72, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, October 25, 2018, at Grand Strand Medical Center in Myrtle Beach, SC.

She is survived by her husband, Gene Smith, their two daughters, Susan Bennett (Glenn) of Ash, Julie Holt (Phillip) of Winnabow, six grandchildren, Brianna Bennett, Emily Bennett, Tessa Bennett, Arylyn Smith, Olivia Holt & Jackson Holt. She is also survived by two brothers, Clay Ollis and Doyle Ollis (Carol). She is preceded in death by her father, Guy Ollis, her mother, Beverly Gragg Ollis, sister, Jo Rouse and a brother, Tommy Ollis.

Beverly was born in Lenoir and grew up in the mountains of NC. She moved to Brunswick County in 1966 and was married in January of the following year. She has been the matriarch of Coastal Machine & Welding for over 41 years. When she and her husband bought the business in 1977 she had the daunting task of learning quickly about a world she had never been exposed to, from shrimp boats and metal to book keeping. She was a diligent and formidable multi-tasker to the end with an undeniable inner strength.

Words cannot possibly express the kind of mother, grandmother and friend Beverly was. She adored her grandchildren and they completely adored her in return. She was patient, kind, selfless and thoughtful. To her, your comfort was more important than her own and she was always ready with a smile or a laugh regardless of how she, herself, was feeling. She was the first to send you flowers or a card or slip you some money if she knew you were having a hard time and she never, ever forgot an anniversary or to acknowledge it. She was always ready with an arsenal of greeting cards for all occasions.

Her cooking skills were legendary! Some of her specialties included the MOST amazing banana pudding (so good that it contributed to attracting a son-in-law for life), fried shrimp and the best hushpuppies ever.

She had the greatest love of nature. She found such joy in sitting with her beloved husband, Gene, on the dock and watching the boats go by on the waterway at their house.

Beverly’s family wants to warmly thank everyone who has expressed love for Beverly and her family during this difficult time. It means so much and she would have been overwhelmed to know how many people loved her.

Visitation will be held at Brunswick Funeral Service located at 5229 Ocean Hwy W, Shallotte, NC on Sunday, October 28th from 6-8 pm. Funeral services will be held Monday, October 29th at the same location at 3 pm. Burial to follow at the Smith Family Cemetery in Ash, NC.

The service will be officiated by Brother Bob Rains.

Pallbearers are Sonny White, Jamie Long, Wayne Smith, Shane Peterson, Luke Perisich and Tom Parks. Honorary Pallbearers are Robbie White and Brad Vanderburg.