We celebrate the remarkable life of Jewel Elizabeth “Beth” Muldrew, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, teacher and friend, who died on August 19, 2026, at the age of 90. Beth’s life was marked by faith, hospitality, creativity, joy and an unwavering love for her family.
Beth was born in Roanoke, Alabama, on June 19, 1936, to Dr. R R. and Jewel Williamson. In 1957, she graduated from Howard College, now Samford University, with a BA in art education. That same year, she married Tom Muldrew, also of Roanoke, Alabama.
As an art teacher of 32 years, Beth inspired thousands of students to be bold, imaginative and to add beauty to the world around them. She was honored with Bryan County High School’s “Teacher of the Year” award twice in the 1990s. The mural that she painted for the high school, which depicted daily rural life around 1900, was later printed on the cover of the Pembroke, Georgia, telephone book.
Beth’s civic involvement was widely recognized. She was a founding member of the Statesboro Regional Art Association and was the lead designer at Wakefield’s Department Store. In 1965, she was honored as “Woman of the Year” by the Anniston Business and Professional Women’s Club.
Beth was known to make friends everywhere she went. She especially cherished her 40-year-long friendships from her bridge club in Brooklet, Georgia. She lived generously through her love of hosting and dedicated ministry to the members of Statesboro New Covenant Church, where she helped lead a woman’s Bible study. She not only brought people together, but she also diligently prayed for others.
Beth was a go-getter and an adventurer. She and Tom traveled to all 50 U.S. states. She took on white-water rafting with her grandchildren, and in 2016, at the age of 80, she graduated from Charis Bible College.
Beth also loved to swim and would swim half a mile multiple times a week until she was 85 years old.
Beth lived a full life. Her family will remember her vibrant spirit, love of learning and travel, appreciation for the arts, elegant table settings and her signature pearls. She will also be remembered for the way she made people feel welcomed, celebrated and cherished.
She is survived by her three children, Elizabeth (Taylor) Stewart, Allen (Lisa) Muldrew and Michael (Laurie) Muldrew; and nine grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Tom.
A visitation will be held on Friday, August 28, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and her funeral service will be on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 11 a.m., both at Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home in Statesboro.
The family requests memorial contributions be made to King's Park Raleigh Church, P.O. Box 19665, Raleigh NC 27619.
Friends can sign the online register book at www.joineranderson.com.
Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home and Crematory of Statesboro is in charge of the arrangements.
Statesboro Herald, August 25, 2026
Sign the Legacy online guestbook at www.statesboroherald.com.