Faye Griffin Smith, a long-time resident of Quitman, MS, died Thursday, the 17th of March 2016, at Kennestone Hospital, Marietta, GA. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 54 years, Austin Leon Smith; parents, Arvid and Elva Griffin; and her sister, Elia Griffin Daws.
Born in 1930 in Meridian, MS, she spent her childhood in rural Kemper County, MS. Mrs. Smith graduated from East Mississippi Junior College in Scooba, and from the University of Southern Mississippi (then Mississippi Southern College), where she was a member of Phi Delta Rho and Kappa Omicron Phi, both honoraries. She followed her grandmother, mother, sister and brother-in-law as an educator. She later completed her Master’s in Science in 1984 from Southern.
Mrs. Smith taught Home Economics for 30 years at Quitman High School, and was a long-term member of First Baptist Church of Quitman, as well as an integral member of many of Quitman’s social and service clubs. She won many honors as educator, including the Mississippi Economics Association Teacher of the Year, STAR Teacher, Mississippi Vocational Association Teacher of the Year, and officer status in all of the professional organizations to which she has belonged.
In addition to being a long-time columnist for the Clarke County Tribune, she was one of the founders and a long-time director of Project Clarke. She continued her love of teaching by starting and leading a Bible study group at Brookdale Senior Living in Marietta, where she will be missed by her dinner table friends.
She is survived by her son, Steven, his wife, Kathy; daughter, Nancy Head, and her husband Darrell; son Alan, his wife Tena; son John, his wife Cynthia; and son Andrew, and his wife Deborah. Missing her also are her 13 grandchildren and five great grandchildren, and her “adopted” son, Igor Banjac and his wife, Amy.
In addition to her loved family, Mrs. Smith leaves a legacy of hospitality and grace, a firm belief in the fundamentals of christianity, and a love of learning and education. There were always books, newspapers, magazines, and writing paper in arms reach.
Memorial gifts may be made to Young Life, Faye Smith Memorial, PO Box 801472, Acworth GA 30101; Methodist Children’s Home, PO Box 66, Clinton MS, 39060 or the Forgotten Children’s Ministries, PO Box 24085, Chattanooga, TN, 37422.
Wright’s Funeral Home in Quitman, MS, has been entrusted with arrangements. Visitation will be held at First Baptist Church, Quitman, MS, from 12:30 to 2:00 pm on Saturday, March the 26th, with the service starting at 2:00. A graveside service will immediately follow at Odd Fellows Cemetery in Quitman.
Online condolences may be given at www.wrightsfuneral.com.
