Elizabeth Brittain McGowin passed away on May 2, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee. She was preceded in death by her parents, Elizabeth Brittain Smith McGowin and Nicholas S. McGowin; and by her brothers, Peter Hardaway McGowin and Nicholas S. McGowin Jr.

She is lovingly remembered by her two daughters, Karina Surdel and Tatum McGowin, and by her niece, Essie McGivern.

A lifelong champion of the performing arts, Beth embodied the very spirit of the stage. Whether in her hometown of Mobile or during her years in New York City, she brought light, energy, and unmistakable presence to every performance. Her life was marked by a steady stream of adventures—from gracing the New York stage, to delivering singing telegrams across England, and touring alongside a variety of artists.

She made her home in Nashville, where she devoted herself to raising her daughters, Tatum, adopted from China, and Karina, adopted from Russia. Beth could always be found in a crowd by the sound of her laughter, and she was never one to resist the chance to sing or tap for an audience. Her generosity of spirit and boundless joy touched countless lives, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

The memorial service will be held on May 21st, at Christ Church Cathedral on West End with visitation beginning at 2pm and service at 3pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer's Association http://act/alzorg/goto/BethMcGowin