Florence Evelyn Jones Smith was born on July 9, 1924, in Selmer, Tennessee, to the late Wilford and Vera Teague Jones. A bright and determined young woman, she graduated as Valedictorian of her class at Selmer High School in 1942.
On June 12, 1942, Florence married her highschool sweetheart, Loren Walters Smith. Their marriage of 66 plus years ended with Loren’s passing on January 25, 2009. Florence found joy in the simple pleasures of life, especially cooking, sewing and quilting. However, her greatest joy came from her family whom she loved deeply.
Mrs. Smith departed this life on August 16, 2024 in Selmer, Tennessee at the age of 100 years, 1 month, and 7 days.
She is survived by three sons: Doug Smith and wife Ann of Stantonville, TN, Larry Smith and wife Jeannie of Paris, TN, Phil Smith and wife Judy of Chattanooga, TN; thirteen grandchildren:
Melissa Moore and husband Ross of Bethel Springs, TN, Emily Smith of Stantonville, TN, Rebekah Smith of Selmer, TN, Amanda Lewis and husband Russell of Gilmer, TX, Sarah Smith of Selmer, TN, Anna Corbett and husband Steven of Selmer, TN, Deborah Hale and husband Daniel of Campbell, TX, Jonathan Smith and wife Lindsey of Pleasant View, TN, David Smith and wife Rachel of Selmer, TN, Amy Steelman and husband Ross of Paris, TN, Lori Smith of Paris, TN, Bryant Smith of Austin, TX, Jeremy Smith and wife Tamsyn of Whitehouse, TN; eighteen great grandchildren: Hugh and Katherine Moore of Bethel Springs, TN, Evelyn and Hudson Corbett of Selmer, TN, Caitlyn, Danny, Nathan, Olivia, Charlie, and Baby Boy Hale of Campbell, TX, Esther Smith of Pleasant View, TN, Colt, Henry, and Barrett Smith of Selmer, TN, Allie Steelman of Paris, TN, Remington Patterson of Paris, TN, Carlynn and Rook Smith of Whitehouse, TN; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Smith was preceded in death by three sisters: Martha Hewitt, Mildred Reeder, and Geraldine Hewitt.
