Mary Elizabeth "Beth" Briggs Ross, 73, of Mars Hill passed away Monday, June 19, 2017 at John F. Keever Solace Center. She was a native of Madison County and daughter of the late Thurman and Ayeris Willis Briggs. Beth is a graduate from University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill with a master's degree in Physical Education. She taught school for 28 years in physical education, junior high math and science, and retired from Madison High School in Special Education.

Beth lived a life of faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ. She had a quiet strength that came from her trust in Him. She loved to serve others, play the piano and organ, and sing in the choir. Beth always had a smile and warm heart for others and loved to fellowship with family and friends. She was a loving wife, mother, and nana and has left us a legacy of love and beauty. After surviving breast cancer, we were blessed to have her for 25 years.

After 52 years of marriage, Beth is survived by her husband, Billy Linwood "Lennie" Ross, Jr.; daughter Stephanie Thompson (Derek) of Charlotte; son, Clint Ross (Heidi) of Tampa, FL; grandchildren, Laura, Julia, Jared, Emily, and Carter Thompson; Aaron, Tayven, Corbin, Claire, and Caleb Ross; and a sister Barbara Jean Willard.

Beth had an innate sense of discerning truth from error and enjoyed 46 years of membership at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00pm Saturday, June 24, 2017, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Bishop Mark Sannar will officiate. Burial will follow in Mars Hill Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Flowers are appreciated or donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or John F. Keever Solace Center, CarePartners Foundation, PO Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813.

The family would like to thank Marah and Carolyn of Medi Home Hospice and the staff of John F. Keever Solace Center for the care given to their loved one.