Margaret Mitchell Smith, 77, of Florence, passed from this life early Saturday morning, after having a paralyzing stroke nine years ago and a second one January 12th. She was born at Cloverdale, Ala. December 22, 1938 to Nolan S. Mitchell and Vera (McClure) Mitchell. She attended Central High School, but graduated from Mars Hill Bible School with the Class of 1957, and from David Lipscomb University where she met and married her husband, Dr. Edward W. Smith. They were married 52 years. They were co-owners of the Florence Wellness Center, Inc. She had taught English, Girls P.E. , and Home Economics at Mars Hill. She had been known in the community for making wedding cakes from her home.
From 1978 to 1986, she and Ed worked with the Monroe church of Christ in Monroe, WI and another seven years with the Hawk Pride church of Christ in Colbert County, Ala. She was also a member of the Chisholm Hills church of Christ.
In the early 90’s, she and Ed drove to Detroit, MI once a month for three years where she obtained a Master’s Degree in Homeopathy. She enjoyed advising people how to benefit from natural health products.
The visitation will be on Monday, February 1, 2016 from 5-7 p.m. at Greenview Funeral Home. The funeral service will be Tuesday, February 2, 2016 at 11 a.m. at Chisholm Hills Church of Christ with Charles Abernathy officiating. The body will be placed in the church one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in Greenview Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be: Chris Talley, Blake Talley, Kevin Mitchell, Derek Hyde, Shannon Hyde, and Paul Icolano.
Mrs. Smith was preceded in death by her parents; her older brother, David Raymond Mitchell (Bobbie), a member of the Florence Police force; and a younger sister, Mary Mitchell White.
She is survived by her four children: Starla Smith McCranie (Jim), Nancy Smith McDaniel (Steven), Joseph Smith (Ruth), and John David Smith; three grandchildren: Jessica McDaniel, Destin McDaniel, and Meredith Smith; brothers: Charles N. Mitchell (Marie), Lonnie J. Mitchell (Beverly); a sister, Ruby Mitchell Hyde; and a number of nieces and nephews.
In the nine years during which she was paralyzed from the first stroke, a host of home care workers cared for her: Kathy Crossen, Louise Morris, Tonya Russell, Tonda Dudley, April Witt, Karen Sharp, Hanna Wood, Toni Holliway, and Sherah Moss. They were all very kind, each one treating her as though she was their mother. We are very grateful for each of them.
We would like to thank Dr. Danny McFall; he was very compassionate. Also many thanks to Dr. Keith Garrett. His chiropractic adjustments kept her going for years. She always looked forward to visits at his office.
