Rebekah Epley Smith

Rebekah Epley Smith, 86, of Marion, passed away surrounded by her girls on Wednesday, July 9, 2025.

A native of McDowell County, she was born December 2, 1938 to the late Benjamin and Annie Lee Epley.

Rebekah’s family meant everything to her. She especially enjoyed time with her great-grandson, Grayson. She also looked forward to visits from her grand-dogs, Bailey and Maya. She appreciated the beauty of nature and was particularly fond of wildflowers, birds, and time spent at the cabin on Lake James. As long as her health allowed, she stayed busy with projects around her home.

She is survived by her daughter, Becky Smith (Chris Kanipe); two granddaughters, Anna Lee (Dalton) and Madison Drum; great-grandson, Grayson Lee; sister, Vicki Bezems (Gerry); nephew, Benjamin Bezems (Megan); niece, Julia Bezems (Daniel); and special friends, Russell “Duck” Murphy, Lee Hughey, Betty Markham, and Alice Logan. She will be greatly missed by her family and all who knew her.

In accordance with her wishes, a private family gathering will be held at a later date.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Benjamin Motz and Dr. Paul Fletcher for shepherding Rebekah and her family through this time and for the compassionate care they provided.