Laura Bell Derden Smith, 83, of Blythewood, died Thursday, May 1, 2014.
Born in Moultrie GA, on October 30, 1930, she was a daughter of the late Alfonzo and Mary Lee Cooper Derden.
A true Southern Georgia girl, Laura was an avid gardener and farm girl. Her tomboy youth helped prepare for the difficult task of raising three boys, sometimes alone while their father served overseas in the military. A friend to all, the only way to get on her bad side was to treat her boys improperly. Her disposition was always upbeat and cheerful, even during tough and trying times. Within a group of people, Laura would 'steal the show' and was always the life of the party. She loved God, children, animals and was an exceptional cook. A voracious reader, she generally consumed a book each week. Perhaps her greatest accomplishment was her marriage of 63 years. The world has lost a precious gem, but heaven has a new, joyful, laughing angel. Well done, Laura.
Survivors include her husband, CWO Clarence Ray Smith (US Army, RET); children, Donald Ray Smith and wife, Shirley Skadan-Smith, Steven Escar Smith and wife, Natalie Hoopes-Smith, Michael Robin Smith; four grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and sisters, Jackie Cravey and Marge Shubert.
In addition to her parents, Laura was preceded in death by siblings, Ruby Murphy, James Leo Derden, Junior Derden, Mervin Derden, Cleo Walker, Lavonne Wilson; and their beloved family dog, Casey.
Burial will follow at Ft. Jackson National Cemetery.
Shives Funeral Home
Born in Moultrie GA, on October 30, 1930, she was a daughter of the late Alfonzo and Mary Lee Cooper Derden.
A true Southern Georgia girl, Laura was an avid gardener and farm girl. Her tomboy youth helped prepare for the difficult task of raising three boys, sometimes alone while their father served overseas in the military. A friend to all, the only way to get on her bad side was to treat her boys improperly. Her disposition was always upbeat and cheerful, even during tough and trying times. Within a group of people, Laura would 'steal the show' and was always the life of the party. She loved God, children, animals and was an exceptional cook. A voracious reader, she generally consumed a book each week. Perhaps her greatest accomplishment was her marriage of 63 years. The world has lost a precious gem, but heaven has a new, joyful, laughing angel. Well done, Laura.
Survivors include her husband, CWO Clarence Ray Smith (US Army, RET); children, Donald Ray Smith and wife, Shirley Skadan-Smith, Steven Escar Smith and wife, Natalie Hoopes-Smith, Michael Robin Smith; four grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and sisters, Jackie Cravey and Marge Shubert.
In addition to her parents, Laura was preceded in death by siblings, Ruby Murphy, James Leo Derden, Junior Derden, Mervin Derden, Cleo Walker, Lavonne Wilson; and their beloved family dog, Casey.
Burial will follow at Ft. Jackson National Cemetery.
Shives Funeral Home
Laura Bell Derden Smith, 83, of Blythewood, died Thursday, May 1, 2014.
Born in Moultrie GA, on October 30, 1930, she was a daughter of the late Alfonzo and Mary Lee Cooper Derden.
A true Southern Georgia girl, Laura was an avid gardener and farm girl. Her tomboy youth helped prepare for the difficult task of raising three boys, sometimes alone while their father served overseas in the military. A friend to all, the only way to get on her bad side was to treat her boys improperly. Her disposition was always upbeat and cheerful, even during tough and trying times. Within a group of people, Laura would 'steal the show' and was always the life of the party. She loved God, children, animals and was an exceptional cook. A voracious reader, she generally consumed a book each week. Perhaps her greatest accomplishment was her marriage of 63 years. The world has lost a precious gem, but heaven has a new, joyful, laughing angel. Well done, Laura.
Survivors include her husband, CWO Clarence Ray Smith (US Army, RET); children, Donald Ray Smith and wife, Shirley Skadan-Smith, Steven Escar Smith and wife, Natalie Hoopes-Smith, Michael Robin Smith; four grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and sisters, Jackie Cravey and Marge Shubert.
In addition to her parents, Laura was preceded in death by siblings, Ruby Murphy, James Leo Derden, Junior Derden, Mervin Derden, Cleo Walker, Lavonne Wilson; and their beloved family dog, Casey.
Burial will follow at Ft. Jackson National Cemetery.
Shives Funeral Home
Born in Moultrie GA, on October 30, 1930, she was a daughter of the late Alfonzo and Mary Lee Cooper Derden.
A true Southern Georgia girl, Laura was an avid gardener and farm girl. Her tomboy youth helped prepare for the difficult task of raising three boys, sometimes alone while their father served overseas in the military. A friend to all, the only way to get on her bad side was to treat her boys improperly. Her disposition was always upbeat and cheerful, even during tough and trying times. Within a group of people, Laura would 'steal the show' and was always the life of the party. She loved God, children, animals and was an exceptional cook. A voracious reader, she generally consumed a book each week. Perhaps her greatest accomplishment was her marriage of 63 years. The world has lost a precious gem, but heaven has a new, joyful, laughing angel. Well done, Laura.
Survivors include her husband, CWO Clarence Ray Smith (US Army, RET); children, Donald Ray Smith and wife, Shirley Skadan-Smith, Steven Escar Smith and wife, Natalie Hoopes-Smith, Michael Robin Smith; four grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and sisters, Jackie Cravey and Marge Shubert.
In addition to her parents, Laura was preceded in death by siblings, Ruby Murphy, James Leo Derden, Junior Derden, Mervin Derden, Cleo Walker, Lavonne Wilson; and their beloved family dog, Casey.
Burial will follow at Ft. Jackson National Cemetery.
Shives Funeral Home
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