Shirley Smith

Shirley Smith was warmly welcomed into Heaven on Sunday, August 23rd, surrounded by her children as she left this earth to join her Savior in Paradise. She was 84 years old. 

Born December 7th, 1941 in Greenfield, Indiana, Shirley was the only daughter among the four children of Clyde Lindsay and Marthena Siders Lindsay. She graduated from Greenfield High School in 1959 and went to work at Farm Bureau Insurance in Indianapolis until she married Jack Smith in 1965. 

Shirley’s adult life was devoted first to Jesus Christ, then to her family, then to others. She perfected the roles of both wife and mother with a Biblical level of love and devotion. She served in the office at church, taught children’s Sunday school, and ministered to the elderly. When her youngest children were still in high school she enrolled in college and successfully earned an Associates Degree in Travel and Tourism, graduating Summa Cum Laude. She owned and operated a successful travel agency for several years and seemed to specialize in “senior travel”, serving a demographic that God had placed on her heart. She also spent the last five years of her life serving on the board of directors for H.I.S. Guatemala, helping provide support, love and hope for the vulnerable children of Guatemala. 

In her personal life, Shirley was exquisitely gracious and eternally thankful. She had an incredible amount of drive hidden within her small frame, capable of carrying Jack through the most difficult seasons of his battle with cancer, heart issues, and dementia; all while battling her own serious health issues. She completely respected Jack as the head of the household, even when she had to carry him. And she completely received all of his love in return, as strong as Christ’s love for the church. 

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband Jack, her parents, and her brothers Bob, Al and Donnie. She is survived by her children Tena Bishop, Barry Smith and wife Kelly, Dan Smith and wife Missy, and Darcy Smith, as well as a multitude of Grand and Great-Grand children who have all benefitted from her devotion to her Savior. 

A Celebration of Life service is scheduled for Saturday, August 29th at 11:00 a.m. at Vonore Baptist Church, followed by a meal and a time of greeting the family and sharing memories. There will also be a private internment service on Wednesday, September 2nd at East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers the family requests a donation to either H.I.S. Guatemala for homeless children in Guatemala City (@hisguate Venmo) or the Wounded Warrior Project.