Obituary of Stella Gertelene Smith

Stella Gertelene Smith, “Dean” as her friends called her, passed away on February 12, 2021 peacefully in her sleep. Gertelene was born June 14, 1922 to Lowman Chaney and Gertrude Sturkie Chaney in Swansea, SC. Gertelene spent her life helping and caring for others. She was a mother of 5 and a caregiver to her husband, the love of her life. She worked for many years in retail at Esther’s Factory Outlet and also as a seamstress. She was a member of Fellowship Baptist and loved her church family dearly.

She is survived by her brother Ammon Chaney, sister in law Valarie Chaney, son-in-law Tommy Lybrand, grandchildren Denise McCaston, Rusty McClary (Laura), Joni Proper (Aaron), John Brooks, 6 great grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews as well as her cherished friend and caregiver, Ann Epting. She was predeceased by her husband Marion Wakefield Smith, siblings Laurston Chaney, Brantley Chaney, Luke Chaney, Arden Chaney, Louise Freeman and children Hellen Lybrand, Francis Odom, Bonnie Cook, Jane Rodgers and Marion Smith Jr.

Services will be held at 12:00 pm on Monday, February 15 at Fellowship Baptist Church.  Visitation will be from 11:00 – 11:45 am prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow at Southland Memorial Gardens.

Memorials may be made to Fellowship Baptist for Caring Hearts and Helping Hands or The Gideon’s International.

Thank you to Fellowship Baptist for their many years of support, to Ann for her unending devotion and to NHC of Lexington for their care during Gertelene’s last 4 years.