Louise K. Smith

Louise Gary Smith, widow of the late Johnie Smith, began her life in Sparr, Florida, on May 23, 1905. She was the third and last surviving child of the late John and Melinda Harvey Gary.Louise was a spiritual person and trusted unfailingly in the Lord and His word. She joined the Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church in her youth and remained a faithful member until her move to Baltimore, Maryland, to be with her daughter, Vera. She was an active and dedicated member of the church and served as an usher, a stewardess, a trustee and a member of the choir. Upon relocating to Baltimore, she affiliated with Union Memorial United Methodist church and became a member of the Flower Circle, the Commission on Missions and the United Methodist Women.Our beloved received her education in Florida, having attended Howard Academy in Ocala, Florida, and the Fessenden Academy in Martin, Florida.“Mama Lou,” as she was affectionately called by many, enjoyed cooking, gardening, fishing, sports and entertaining family and friends. She particularly enjoyed fishing and did so as late as 1990. During World War II, her culinary skills combined with her natural entrepreneurial instinct prompted her to purchase and operate a successful restaurant which served the community, draftees and servicemen who were being transferred from Camp Blanding to other sections of Florida. Still using her outstanding cooking abilities, she worked for several years in the Marion County Public School System cafeterias, from which she retired.She was a “woman for all season,” and was equally at ease with her peers as well as with people of a much younger age. She adjusted and adapted to the times and could discuss a baseball game, play cards or enjoy music with all age groups. She was also a gracious hostess and enjoyed immensely in sharing with friends, family or a casual visitor her “loaf of bread.”Perhaps Louise’s greatest love was that bestowed on children. She reared two children of her own, Vera and Dan; two grandchildren and always had a deep concern for the welfare of children. Her countenance always beamed in their presence.God blessed our loved one with a long and fruitful life. She has left this earthly world blessed with having seen the development and growth of her children, grandchildren great-grandchildren and great great grandchildren. She has lived through many events that have shaped the fabric of our lives-World Wars I and II, the Korean Crisis, the Vietnam Conflict, the Gulf War, the inventions of the radio and television and the coming of the computer age. And, always she had the loving comfort, care and support of her family, particularly that of her devoted daughter, Vera.Her son, Dan, predeceased her.On Tuesday morning, April 1, 2003, at the Alice Manor Nursing Home, where she resided for a brief period, “Mama Lou” took God’s outstretched hand and Bade farewell to this earthly world. Those left with indelible, happy and loving memories of her are her loving and caring daughter, Vera Taylor; stepdaughter, Bernice Smith; aunt, Clara Miller; eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, a host of other loving relatives and friends.

Tributes

Louise K. Smith

May 23, 1905 - April 1, 2003