M. Irene Smith, age 85, of Fitzgerald, Georgia died Monday, July 17, 2017 at Navicent Medical Health Center in Macon, Georgia.
Funeral services will be held 2 PM, Saturday, July 22, 2017, at Arbor Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Lloyd Stembridge officiating. Interment will follow in Arbor Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the sanctuary on Saturday.
Irene was born in Ben Hill County on August 31, 1931. She was the youngest of the 9 children born to William E. and Carrie Penn Smith and had 7 older brothers but only one sister.
After graduating from Fitzgerald High School, Irene took a job at the Air Force base in Warner Robins. While working at the base, Irene was also librarian for the Second Baptist Church in Warner Robins. She was at work at Robins Air Force Base when a devastating tornado hit the base in 1953. She told family about hiding under her desk as the building was destroyed around her. Many years later, she left this job to study at Women’s College of Georgia in Milledgeville (now Georgia College and State University) and earned her bachelor’s degree in library science. After working briefly at Warner Robins High School, Irene returned home to serve as media specialist at Ben Hill Elementary School, a job she held until her retirement. During summers, she earned her Masters degree in Library Science from Florida State University. In addition to her full time job, for many years Irene also prepared income tax returns for a number of clients.
In her youth, Irene enjoyed photography and bowling, but her greatest joy came from her family and friends. Without calling attention to herself, she faithfully helped her brothers, nieces and nephews when she knew help was needed. Irene was especially devoted to her sister Margaret and cared for her with selfless love during Margaret’s long final illness.
Irene was a vital member of Arbor Baptist Church. She served as the church librarian and was a member of the church history committee. She also served faithfully as Treasurer of Arbor and a member of the church finance committee.
Irene was preceded in death by her parents, by her brothers Lawrence, Boyce, Bill, Hugh, J.D. Herbert, and Ernest Smith and by her beloved sister, Margaret McElmurray as well as by five nephews and one niece. She is survived by eleven nephews, twelve nieces, numerous great nephews and nieces, and many friends.