Eleanor Inman Smith of Houston, Texas, went home to be with the Lord on December 27, 2020, at 84 years of age. A Zoom memorial service by First United Methodist Church, Houston, was held online at 2 p.m., Sunday, January 31, 2021. The Rev. Ann Spears and the Rev. Charles Thompson officiated.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, October 10, 2021, in the Chapel of Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals with the Rev. Joseph L. Crumley officiating. Mrs. Smith will be laid to rest at Oak Ridge Cemetery.
Ms. Smith was preceded in death by her husband, Robert E. “Bob” Smith, and her brother, Charles Inman.
She is survived by her son, Robert Andrew “Andy” Smith of Sacramento, California; her brother, Joe Inman of Lawrenceville; nephews, Edmund and Michael Inman of Macon; Steve Inman of Duluth; niece, Dana Inman of Chicago, Illinois; and beloved sister-in-law, Helen Inman of Macon.
Ms. Smith had a truly remarkable and accomplished life, endearing family, friends, and students. She was born January 20, 1936, in Waycross to William Glen and Ella Sweat Inman. Her childhood was spent in Portsmouth, Virginia and Manor. After graduating as the first honor student from Manor High School, she attended Abraham Baldwin College, where she was editor of the yearbook and named Miss Baldwin. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics education from the University of Georgia. While at UGA, Ms. Smith was a member of Phi Upsilon Omicron and Kappa Delta Pi honorary organizations. She was selected to Who’s Who among Colleges and Universities.
After graduation, Ms. Smith traveled with the International Foreign Youth Exchange Program to Ireland, leading to lifelong support of IFYE. She also spent a year in Washington, D.C. as a National 4- H Fellow. Following that, she worked for the Agricultural Extension Service as a Home Demonstration Agent in Homerville and Tifton. Ms. Smith received a Masters of Education in adult education from the University of Maryland in 1960.
In 1961, she married Bob Smith and moved to Houston, Texas, where Bob headed the Houston office of the U.S. Geological Survey. Ms. Smith was a devoted wife and mother, attending, volunteering, and supporting her son Andy’s various school activities, including band practices and performances. She also volunteered with the Methodist Hospital Auxiliary. The Smiths joined the First United Methodist Church Houston in 1962 and were members of the Adelphi Sunday School class. Ms. Smith greatly loved the church and all her dear Adelphi friends and their families, and they loved her. She chaired and served on the scholarship committee in the Adelphi class as well as served on the Administrative Board of the church.
Ms. Smith taught Home Economics at Fondren Junior High from 1969-75, then physical science at Johnston Junior High from 1975-1981. During this time, she led yearly student summer tours to Europe. Ms. Smith then went to Bellaire High School in 1981 and taught physical science for many years. She was dedicated to her profession and wholly devoted to her students. This was evidenced by many distinguished awards she won as well as countless notes from students declaring her their “favorite teacher,” thanking her for “believing in them,” “encouragement,” and on and on. At Bellaire High School, Ms. Smith was a sponsor of the National Honor Society where she was instrumental in the success of many community service activities and tutoring programs. She was selected “Teacher of the Year” at Bellaire in 1991 and crowned “Outstanding Teacher” another year by Bellaire alumni. Ms. Smith was also a sponsor of the Texas Science Engineering Fair where she received many awards including “Outstanding Sponsor” and “Most Outstanding Teacher.” She was awarded the Wilhelmina C. Robertson Teaching Excellence Award at the Houston Museum of Natural Science and nominated for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching by the Woodrow Wilson Institute of Princeton University. Ms. Smith’s motivation was her love for her students. She wrote many recommendations toward scholarships for her students. Ms. Smith maintained relationships with many of her students through the years, attending weddings, sharing holidays and taking great joy in their lives and accomplishments. She also served as a wedding consultant for many students as well as friends in the church.
Ms. Smith was an ardent Georgia Bulldogs fan and lifelong supporter of UGA. She and Bob traveled to many games through the years, enjoying tailgating in their Georgia Bulldogs van with family and friends. Ms. Smith also enjoyed her later years at Clarewood House with many of her beloved church friends. She loved to make others laugh and always had time for conversation and connection. Ms. Smith enjoyed giving parties for others and making them feel special. She led an exemplary life of service and love. Her many “honorary sons and daughters and grandchildren,” her devoted family and dear friends all believe that the Lord would say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Houston, designating in the memo section Star of Hope, Adelphi Scholarship Fund, or the FUMC General Fund. FUMC address is 1320 Main Street, Houston, 77002.