November 18, 1944 - February 14, 2024

Beth Lillard James, age 79, of Newport, Tennessee, went to her Heavenly home on February 14, 2024.

She was born on November 18, 1944, at Mims Clinic in Newport to Hazel Elizabeth Murrell Lillard and Thomas Vincent Lillard, Sr.

Beth is survived by her husband of 57 years, Freddy James; children, Amy Evans (Chucky) of Newport and Freddy James (Jurron Bradley) of New York, NY; her grandchildren, Elizabeth Long (Saxton) of Powell and Charlie Evans (Alee) of Newport; her brother, Tommy Lillard (Carolyn) of Newport; brother-in-law, Gary James (Margaret) of Knoxville; and a host of nieces and nephews.

She was a member of English Creek Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School and was the church pianist for many years.

Beth met the love of her life, Freddy James, in fourth grade. They began dating in high school, went to college together and married in December 1966.

Beth attended Newport Grammar School, Cocke County High School and graduated from Carson Newman College. Later, Beth earned her Master's Degree from Union College and her advanced EdS Degree from Lincoln Memorial University.

After graduating from Carson Newman in 1966, Beth began teaching at Newport Grammar School. She taught third grade for two years, first grade for a year, then taught kindergarten for the rest of her 35-year teaching career.

Music had always been a big part of her life. She started playing piano at church her sophomore year in high school. She also had many students on the Newport Grammar School stage. One of her favorite productions was "Li'l Hee Haw" in 1979. It was filmed for the local PBS Channel, and you can still find it on YouTube. Later, she discovered a new love, the hammered dulcimer. She joined the Knoxville Area Dulcimer Club and enjoyed going to group sessions at Big South Fork to play with the club.

Beth joined the Newport Theatre Guild in the 1990s and starred as M'Lynn in "Steel Magnolias." She played Lenny in "Crimes of the Heart" and Sister Agatha in "The Sound of Music." She designed backdrops for her many kindergarten and church programs, as well as helped paint many sets for Theatre Guild productions, including "The Sound of Music" and "Guys and Dolls."

Beth retired from teaching in 2003 and discovered other hobbies. She joined Bags of Love, a quilting group that made quilts for children in need, and The Good News Club, an after school ministry for kids.

Freddy and Beth loved camping and always enjoyed hitting the road. They have been to Niagara Falls, Yellowstone, Jackson Hole, Las Vegas and many other places. They took a family vacation to Hawaii, a cruise to Alaska and a church mission trip to New Mexico.

Special thanks to Newport Health and Rehabilitation Center and Amedisys Home Health Care.

A graveside service will be held at Union Cemetery at 1:00 PM on Sunday, February 18, 2024

Arrangements with Manes Funeral Home.