Converse Mourns the Loss of Former Board of Trustees Member Bee Smith Maybank ’66
Written by Amanda Mathis
Beatrice “Bee” Smith Maybank ’66 served with grace throughout her life. The Converse alumna and past Board of Trustees member passed away in Dalton, GA, on September 1, 2026, surrounded by family and friends. Born on June 1, 1944, in Asheville, NC, Bee arrived on the Converse campus and was active in student life as a Tarpon Sharks swimmer. She graduated in the spring of 1966 with a BA in English
A Chance Meeting
At a party on Pawleys Island, SC, Bee met her husband, Tommy, who quickly became the love of her life. They were married for 54 years before his passing in 2000. Together, they moved from the coast to Greenville and started a family, including daughter and Converse alumnae Beverly Burgdorf ’91. After time in Atlanta, they moved to Dalton, GA, where the Maybanks started their chapter as business owners of Maybank Textile Corporation.
An active member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Dalton, Bee volunteered with the American Cancer Society, the Dalton Heart Ball, and the Boys and Girls Club of North Georgia. She also delivered meals with Meals on Wheels and rang the bell for The Salvation Army during the holidays.
A Generous Heart
Bee stayed in contact with her Converse class members. She served on the Board of Trustees for two terms and helped oversee the hiring of Converse’s 9th president, Dr. Elizabeth (Betsy) Fleming. In 2001, Bee and her husband took the extra step of helping others by creating the Beatrice Smith and Thomas H. Maybank Endowed Scholarship, awarded to a College of Arts and Sciences student based on high academic achievement and leadership qualities.
“In 2001, Bee and her husband took the extra step of helping others by creating the Beatrice Smith and Thomas H. Maybank Endowed Scholarship.”
“Bee was an incredible reflection of our Founder’s Ideal and lived it to the fullest,” remarked Converse President Boone Hopkins. “To serve two terms on our board and establish a scholarship to support future students is a testament to her gracious giving and dedication to Converse. She will be dearly missed by our entire Converse family.”
A Memorial service will be held at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Dalton, Georgia on Sunday September 6, 2026, at 1:00 PM, followed by a reception in the Parish Hall from 2:00-3:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mark’s Church, 901 W. Emory St., Dalton, GA 30720 or The Beatrice Smith and Thomas H. Maybank Endowed Scholarship at Converse University, 580 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29302.
Read Bee’s obituary at https://www.lovefuneralhomega.com/obituaries/beatrice-bee-maybank