Gwendolyn Kay Collier Smith was born on July 16th, 1952 in Lawrenceburg, TN and departed life on January 16th, 2016 in Pulaski, TN. Gwendolyn was the youngest daughter of the late Edward and Doris Collier.
Gwendolyn was united in holy matrimony to Kenneth E. Smith on October 3, 1975 and to this union three children were born.
She professed hope in Christ and was baptized at an early age under the leadership of Brother Young at Deller Street Original Church of God in Lawrenceburg, TN. She served as a youth Sunday school teacher and was a member of the choir. Later, she joined Willow Grove M. B. Church and was active in the choir and served as a youth Sunday school teacher.
Gwen was a 1970 graduate of Lawarence County High School. She was first employed at Lincoln Life in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Upon returning to Lawrenceburg, TN, she was employed at Murray Ohio Manufacturing where she dedicated her services for 23 years. Later, she made a career change and worked for NHC Home Health in Lawrenceburg, TN.
Gwen enjoyed spending as much time as possible with her (3) children and (5) grandchildren by laughing with them and showing interest in their lives and motivating them to excel in their goals. She was a very compassionate person and loved people. She was an excellent listener and continuously encouraged people wherever she went. She enjoyed reading novels, shopping, gardening, and spending time with family. Gwen spent time encouraging many friends and family.
Gwen sponsored three children from Ethopia, Tanzania, and Burundi for the past 16 years. Her financial support helped to provide these girls with schools and medical assistance through World Vision.
Gwen leaves to mourn her passing her devoted husband of 40 years Kenneth Smith of Prospect, TN.
Daughter Nicole (Terry) Grigsby of Athens, AL. Son Corey (Meshan) Smith of Charlotte, NC. Daughter Stephanie Smith/Terry Teague of Murfreesboro, TN. Grandsons Terry Glen & Nicholas Grigsby of Athens, AL. Granddaughter Kendall Teague of Murfreesboro, TN. Grandson George Alan of Murfreesboro, TN. Granddaughter Kailey Smith of Charlotte, NC. Sister Patricia (Alvon) Morton of Iron City, TN. Uncle Terry (Marsha) Looper of Shelbyville, TN. Aunts Marion Manus, Millie Stewart, Cora James, Vivian (Arlie) Hatch, and Helen Collier. Great aunts Bernice (Jay) Brown & Maude Taylor. Sister-In-Laws Estella Smith, Marjorie (Larry) Bass, Linda (Johnny) Wright, & Sharon (Sam) Braden. Brother-In-Laws Winford (Ruby) Smith, Willie (Norma) Smith, Joe (Kathy) Smith, James Smith, Terry (Sheila) Smith, and Richard (Lynn) Smith. Her beloved Godson Justin Morris.
Visitation will be 11 o’clock until 12:00 Thursday, January 21, 2016, at Bennett-May-Giles County Funeral Home.
The funeral service will follow at 12:00 noon in the chapel of Bennett-May-Giles County Funeral Home. The burial will follow in Giles Memory Gardens.
Bennett-May-Giles County Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
