Sarah Inez Smalley
Inez Smalley, longtime resident of Lansing, passed away on January 17, 2015, at the Burcham Hills Retirement Community. She was 94.
Inez was born August 29, 1920 in rural Colbert County, Alabama to Charlie and Mary Blanton Farris.
Inez married Gerald M. Smalley in 1947, who preceded her in death in 1977.
Inez began her career in Lansing as a waitress at the Hotel Olds and then completed studies at Lansing Business University to enter the business world. She landed a job at Auto-Owners Insurance Company in 1958 as a stenographer in the Legal Department. Inez retired in 1990 as an Administrator/Executive Secretary in the Legal Department. During her career she was active with the Insurance Women of Lansing and the National Association of Insurance Women.
In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Smalley was preceded in death by her younger brother, Cecil Farris in 2006. Inez is survived by her sister-in-law Jean Farris, nieces Linda Farris Thomas of Franklin, TN, Gina Farris of Orlando, FL, Mary Twenter of Lansing, nephew Bart Farris of Lansing, and her dedicated nephew and caregiver Jerry Smalley.
The family would like to thank the staff at Burcham Hills and Hospice of Great Lakes Caring for the tender care they provided.
Visitation will be 9:30 to 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, with service immediately following at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, January 21, the Tiffany Funeral Home, 3232 W. Saginaw St., Lansing with Rev. John V. Folkers officiating. She will be interred next to her husband in the Deepdale Mausoleum following the service. Contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice in memory of Inez.
