Obituary of Marie B. Smith

WEST COLUMBIA- A celebration of life service for Marie B. Smith, 88, of West Columbia, will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, February 16, 2014 at Trinity Baptist Church in Cayce. The family will receive friends from 2-3 p.m. prior to the service at the church. Thompson Funeral Home of West Columbia, 200 State Street, West Columbia, SC 29169 will assist the family. Mrs. Smith passed away on Thursday, February 13, 2014. She was born January 25, 1926 to Willord Emitt and Mary Elizabeth Bailey in Nash County, N.C. She was predeceased by her loving husband, George W. Smith, her parents and her 5 siblings. Shortly after the death of her father in 1935, Marie and her sister Mary moved to the orphanage in Lexington, N.C. where they lived until graduating from high school. Marie loved her new home and described the move as going from "a house with a path to a room with a bath." That optimism was clearly stamped on everything she did in life. She married the love of her life, George W. Smith, in 1946 and began life as a Navy wife. Her love for people made every move during their Navy days a great adventure. Along the way she had four daughters who loved her not only as their wonderful mother but as a best friend as well. When her husband was sent to Guam in the early 50's, he sent for his family after getting family housing on base. Undaunted by the details of the journey, Marie packed up her three young daughters, took a train from Rocky Mount to the west coast, boarded a ship and took the 2-week "cruise" to join her husband. Her Lucille Ball-like personality drew people to her, and they delighted to lend a hand on that trip. The Smith family settled in West Columbia in the mid-60's where George began a career in real estate. Marie's unwavering optimism came with a lively sense of humor and quips for every situation. Her standard response to questions about how her day was going was, "Jam up and jelly tight!" If you found it impossible to be happy in her presence, you really had to work at staying sad. She had a child-like faith in everything good and a belief that what wasn't so good could take a positive turn at any minute. She refused to be discontent or sad; she strongly invited folks around her to follow suit. She loved simple things and delighted in God's nature. Recovering from breast cancer surgery in 1992, she was asked to join a support group. She didn't feel a need to join, but she did anyway simply because she felt that she could help other women cope with their loss. She was therapy to staff and patients every time she was in the hospital. Even in difficult situations, she was positive and always caring about the welfare of others. She was a much-loved member of Trinity Baptist Church in Cayce where she sang in the choir, was a faithful part of the JOY Sunday school class, and taught young children for many years. She never stopped singing the songs about the love of Jesus that she taught to so many children. Marie spent the last three years of her life at Still Hopes in the Bomar Memory Unit where she endeared herself to staff, residents and their relatives. Many visitors thought she was a volunteer sent to spread sunshine and good will. Wherever she went on campus, she left a trail of joy. Her daughters are so grateful for the kindness and love that the caregivers and all Still Hopes personnel showed their mother. Her honors on earth would seem small to some. There are no trophies, no certificates of accomplishment or merit. Her rewards on earth were her daughters, Barbara J. Smith "Col. (Ret.) Army Nurse Corps" of West Columbia, S.C., Carolyn Turner (Dick) of Chocowinity, N.C., Patricia E. Edmondson (Russell) of Rocky Mount, N.C. and Debra Hunter of Prosperity, S.C. She made indelible impressions of love and kindness on her much-loved grandchildren, who called her Grandmommy; Stewart Edwards (Emily), Grace Anne Vick (Josh), Jonathan Edwards (Katherine), and George Earl Hunter. Over the years, her daughters and grandchildren brought scores of friends into the Smith home whose lives were richer indeed for having been touched by Marie's pure and simple goodness. Those friends came to know her affectionately as Mama Smith and always felt welcome to stop in and visit with her. Marie's heavenly rewards are great indeed. Her love for her heavenly Father was the foundation of her joy and faith. Talking with Jesus came as easily to her as breathing. She had such a gentle heart and always, always found good in everyone. Surely, Jesus had a special welcoming hug and a strong "Well done, oh My good and faithful servant!" Now, she and her jitterbug partner have been reunited and are probably cutting a rug to the delight of angels! Her daughters would like to thank Beth Boison, CFNP, of Lexington Family Practice for being her caring and exceptional health care provider for many years. Gratitude is also extended to Palmetto Baptist Hospice for their attentiveness and comfort during their mother's last days. Memorials may be made to Trinity Baptist Church, 2003 Charleston Hwy, Cayce, 29033 or to Still Hopes, 1 Still Hopes Drive, West Columbia, SC, 29169 or to Palmetto Health Hospice, PO Box 7275, Columbia, SC. 29202.