Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Harper Crabb, age 77, of Douglas, Georgia, passed away Saturday afternoon, January 24, 2026, at her residence following a lengthy illness.
Liz, as she was affectionately known by friends, was born September 17, 1948, in Douglas, Georgia, to the late David J. “D.J.” Harper and the late Mary Vining Harper. She was a medical transcriptionist at Coffee Regional Medical Center, in Douglas, Georgia, for many years and was of the Baptist faith. Along with her parents, Liz was preceded in death by 2 sisters-in-law, Valerie Harper and Bessie Harper; two brothers and their wives, Thurston and Sue Harper and James and Ann Harper; as well as a nephew, Ricky Harper.
Liz is survived by her husband, Charles Allen Smith of Douglas, Georgia; her three children: Belinda Thomas of Douglas, Georgia, Jessica and Scott Bennett of Douglas, Georgia, and Chet Thomas of Colorado Springs, Colorado; eight grandchildren: Amelia Lashley, Devan Thomas, and Chloe Thomas, all of Dothan, Alabama, Chandler Griffin of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Trey Thomas of Douglas, Georgia, Colby Thomas of Alma, Georgia, Taylor Thomas and Sarabeth Heveder, both of Douglas, Georgia; eight great-grandchildren; two brothers: Leonard Harper of Okeechobee, Florida and Reverend Donald Harper of Montgomery, Alabama; five nieces; four nephews; as well as a number of extended family members and friends.
Liz’s family will receive friends on Saturday morning, January 31, 2026, from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM in the Ricketson Funeral Home Chapel. A celebration of her life and legacy will be held at 11:00 AM with Rev. Donald Harper officiating. A private family burial will be held at a later time and place.
Condolences, kind words and fond memories may be shared with Liz’s family at www.ricketsonfuneralhome.com.
Liz’s family and arrangements are being cared for by the kind and compassionate staff of Ricketson Funeral Home, Inc. of Douglas, Georgia.