Beulah Mae Pace Smith

Beulah (Bea) Pace Smith transitioned into God’s eternal care on March 17, 2024. Bea was born on July 11, 1940 to the late Columbus and Inell Pace in Columbus, Ohio. She spent her formative years in Hartford, CT where she was baptized at Holy Trinity Church of God in Christ (COGIC) and was guided throughout her life by Missionary Inell Pace Evans, her mother and spiritual role model. Bea moved to Washington, DC to attend Howard University in 1958. During her twelve year tenure at Howard University, she earned a Bachelors Degree in Sociology and later earned a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of District of Columbia, where she taught for four years. Bea joined Refreshing Spring COGIC in 1981. In 1982, she was instrumental in founding The Friends of Andrew Rankin Chapel at Howard University which supports the Dean and Chapel activities. Bea became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc®, Xi Omega Chapter in 1989. Bea’s professional career included over twenty years as the Director of Government Relations and Chief Lobbyist for the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education, which represents the Presidents and Chancellors of over 100 Historically Black Colleges and Universities. She was instrumental in protecting and securing increases in student and institutional financial aid as well as advocating for fairness in federal regulations. Bea’s career highlights also included positions with the US Department of Commerce, Northern Virginia Community College, and the Institute for Services to Education, a Black College development and management consulting firm. Mother Bea was honored by Refreshing Spring COGIC with a scholarship established and presented in her name in 2022. At this program, she was appointed to the Mothers Board to her surprise and delight. Mother Bea enjoyed working with the youth of Refreshing Spring COGIC encouraging their pursuit of a college education. She assisted the youth with their selections, applications, adjustments, and graduation. In her retirement she enjoyed art, gospel music, football, and bargain and thrift shopping around the world. Bea, an educator, HBCU champion, and pillar of faith, is survived by her sister, Wyrot Ward (Fred), sister-in-law, Mary Mattke Jones, and a host of nephews, nieces, Godchildren, and extended family. She leaves a loving imprint on her village; family, friends, and mentees that have travelled along with her during her life’s journey. Along with her parents, Bea was preceded in death by her brother, Ronald Jones.

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Beulah Mae Pace Smith

July 11, 1940 - March 17, 2024