Elizabeth Wilmeth "Libbie" Smith

Elizabeth "Libbie" Wilmeth Smith, 74, of Bamberg, South Carolina, passed away on Thursday, August 13, 2026.

Born in Hartsville, SC, Libbie was the daughter of the late Harriet Perkins Wilmeth and the late Philip Wilmeth.

Libbie graduated from St. Genevieve-of-the-Pines in Asheville, NC in 1970. She received her bachelor’s degree from Coker College in 1974, majoring in Special Education. Libbie taught in SC schools for 32 years before retiring in 2006. Her teaching career was richly rewarding to her, and she enjoyed keeping up with her students over the years.

Libbie was a champion blood donor, and reached a lifetime total of 4 gallons. She was a long-time member of Al-Anon groups, helping others go through what she had herself experienced. She was a faithful member of Christ Episcopal Church, Denmark, where she served a term as Junior Warden and several terms on the Mission Committee. Libbie also served on the Advisory Board for Orangeburg hospital from 2022-2026.

Libbie cultivated many friends far and wide and maintained those friendships with great devotion. She was beloved by friends and family for her unfailing sense of humor and positivity, and for her sense of wonder at life. The little things in life brought her joy, and she loved nothing more than establishing a small-world connection with a total stranger.

Libbie and Klaus were devoted partners for many years, enjoying many adventures together.

In addition to her parents, Libbie is preceded in death by her husband, Rick Smith and her brother Phil Wilmeth.

Libbie is survived by her brother, Les Wilmeth and wife Robin; sisters, Susan Yoe and Harriet Wilmeth; and her long-time partner Klaus Langehans. She is survived by nieces Ashley Wilmeth Hancock and Mary Robin Wilmeth of Charleston, SC; Alice Yoe of Huntingtown, MD and Rita Yoe of London, England; and nephews John-Parker Wilmeth of Washington, DC, Father Augustine Wilmeth OSB of Norcia, Italy, and Thomas Yoe of Philadelphia, PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christ Episcopal Church, P. O. Box 237, Denmark SC 29042.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com/.

Friends and family are invited to gather on Wednesday, September 2nd, 2025, at 11 a.m. for a memorial service at Christ Episcopal Church Denmark, 5266 Carolina Hwy, Denmark, SC 29042.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, 2501 Bees Ferry Road, Charleston, SC 29414, (843) 722-8371.