Ethel Frances Smith

On Wednesday, August 3, 2016, Ethel Frances Tipton Smith departed her earthly home at the age of 104 to enter her beautiful Eternal Heavenly Home which God had so lovingly prepared for her. She joined there with her beloved husband, George Allen Smith, Jr., her mother and father, Nannie K. and Tom Tipton, and her two sisters and brothers-in-law, Verlin and Fred Rymer and Evelyn and Bob Pillar. The Lord blessed Ethel with a long life, and many lives were touched by the gift of her presence here. Her theme in life was 'Others', and she was always thinking and doing for others as long as God gave her strength. She was a witness for Him in everything she did. Ethel had been a widow since 1957, but was a strong and courageous Christian throughout her singular life, trusting Jesus every day, knowing that He would take care of her through every day o'er all the way. Ethel was born in Corbin, Whitley County, KY on March 29, 1912, one of three daughters born to Nannie and Tom Tipton. She leaves here to cherish her memory her two sons, Philip Ray Smith of the Georgia War Veterans Home, Milledgeville, GA; Paul Allen Smith of Reno, NV; her daughter and son-in-law Ruth and Benjamin Fincher, Conyers, GA; her only granddaughter Cathy F. Reed, Deep Gap, NC; her only grandson Ben Fincher, Jr., and wife Linda, Thomasville, GA; her four great-grandchildren Nathaniel Arthur Reed, Aaron Christopher Reed and wife Tabitha, Laurel Springs, NC; Dr. Rachel Anne Reed and husband Zachary Dumas, Athens, GA; Isaiah Levi Reed, Morganton, NC; and her only great-great grandson, Levi Charles Reed, son of Nathan Reed. Ethel's surviving nieces and nephews are Peggy Keith, Chatsworth, GA; Jeannine and James Pierce and Nancy and Paul Kitchens, Dahlonega, GA; Bob and Marie Pillar, Summerland Keys, FL; Marilyn Houston, Maryville, TN; Helen Offutt, Clearwater, FL; Carol and Tack Pace, Corbin, KY. Ethel was a faithful and devoted employee of the Baptist Book Store in Charlotte, NC and Atlanta, GA for over 20 years. The Baptist Book Stores are now known as Lifeway Christian Resources. Ethel's expertise was in the Bible Section which she loved, and everyone, including staff and customers alike, referred to her as 'The Bible lady'. There wasn't a question she couldn't answer about the Bibles for which she was responsible. Ethel was a member of Green Memorial Baptist Church, Charlotte, NC, the First Baptist Church of Doraville, GA, and a current and long-time member of Highland Park Baptist Church, Conyers, GA. She was a resident of the Westbury Health & Rehabilitation Center in Conyers, GA, and even though wheelchair bound, had a great sense of humor. She always had a smile and a wave for everyone. She truly served the Lord with gladness for over 104 years, and was a loving servant and inspiration to all who knew her. Her spirit will live on in our hearts forever. Arrangements by Scot Ward Funeral Services, 699 American Legion Drive, Conyers, GA (770-483-7216). Family will receive visitors Friday, August 5, 2016 from 6 until 8 p.m. at the funeral home. A Celebration Service of Ethel's life will be held Saturday, August 6, 2016 at 11 a.m. at Highland Park Baptist Church, 1381 Irwin Bridge Road in Conyers with Pastor Mike Blevins and Brother Mackie Hawkins officiating. Burial will be Monday, August 8, 2016 at 2 p.m. at Sharon Memorial Park, Charlotte, NC. Memorials may be sent to Highland Park Baptist Church, P. O. Box 82949, Conyers, GA 30013 and Westbury Health and Rehab Center, P.O. Box 438, Conyers, GA 30012.

Ethel Frances Smith

March 29, 1912 - August 3, 2016