Glenna Ellen Bevell Smith

Glenna Ellen Bevell Smith of Atlanta, Georgia passed away from Alzheimer's Disease on December 26, 2025, at the age of 82, peacefully with all her family by her side.

Glenna lived her life with compassion, selflessness, generosity, and empathy.

She possessed an infectious joy, a vibrant spirit, and a keen sense of humor. A tireless supporter of everyone around her, Glenna never met a stranger she wouldn't help. She dedicated herself to serving others the moment she met them.

Glenna was born November 4, 1943, the youngest of five, to the late Allen John and Gladys Hite Bevell. She grew up in Boydton, Virginia and attended Bluestone High School, as did her future husband, Anderson “Andy” Dodd Smith. Glenna and Andy married and moved to Charlottesville, Virginia while Andy attended graduate school at University of Virginia. During that time, Glenna worked at the Kappa Sigma Fraternity headquarters. Upon completion of Andy’s PhD, Glenna, Andy, and their first born, Nan, moved to Atlanta, where Andy started his career at Georgia Tech. Three years later, they welcomed their second daughter Leigh-Ellen.

After Glenna focused on her family during her daughters' early years, she began her career as the Parish Administrator at her home parish, St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, under Rector Frank K. Allen. Five years later, when Frank was elected Bishop, she followed him to work at the Diocese of Atlanta. Whether at St. Anne’s or the Diocese, Glenna was the go-to person for getting any job done.

During her tenure with the Diocese of Atlanta, Glenna participated in the inaugural meeting of BEST (Bishops’ Executive Secretaries Together), a national conference for Diocesan Administrators. Building on that experience, she co-founded PANDA (Parish Administrators Network, Diocese of Atlanta), an organization that remains active today.

When Frank retired, so did Glenna—but she wasn’t done. Glenna, along with Frank and Elizabeth Allan, helped found the Work of Our Hands Ministry, which promoted and supported art among underserved communities. Under this umbrella, they also started and ran what is now known as The Allan Folk School at Camp Mikell. During this time, she turned her talents to woodworking, specifically focusing on Nativities and Noah’s Arks.

Glenna left a mark on her community. From her work with Perry Homes and the Agape Community Center to her long-standing presence at Clifton Night Shelter and Kids for Peace, she consistently showed up for those in need. At St. Anne’s, Glenna led the Kitchen and Parish Life Ministries, served multiple terms on the Vestry—including a tenure as Senior Warden—and contributed her vision to the Missions Committee.

The true highlight of Glenna’s life was her family, especially her four granddaughters (and her beloved "granddogs"). She adored them. To her granddaughters, Glenna’s home was a space of love filled with toys, laughter, and an ever-present basket of candy. They especially loved spending the night, knowing they were in a place where they were infinitely loved and completely at home.

Glenna was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Anderson Dodd Smith; her parents, Allen John Bevell and Gladys Ellen Hite Bevell; her brothers, John D. Bevell and Gary Bevell; and her sister, Jeannette Arnold. She is survived by her sister Jewel Fields; her daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and Richard Hunter; her daughter and son-in-law, Leigh-Ellen and Christian Fitzgerald; her four cherished granddaughters, Sadie, Taylor, Mary, and Sydney; and many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

The funeral service celebrating the life of Glenna will be held at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, 3098 St Anne's Lane NW, Atlanta, GA 30327, Saturday, January 24 at 11 AM with a reception following in the Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Saint Anne’s Episcopal Church, 3098 Saint Anne’s Lane, NW, Atlanta, GA 30327, (404) 237-5589, or online at https://secure.myvanco.com/L-Z5B1/campaign/C-12FPT.