Shirley (Rowse) Smith

Vidalia,

Mrs. Shirley R. Smith, age 85, of Vidalia, died Friday, January 25, 2019, in the Community Hospice House in Vidalia, after a brief illness.  She was a native of Sylvania and was a 1952 Honor Graduate of Screven County High School.  Shirley served as the Secretary for the Vidalia Presbyterian Church for over thirty years.  She unselfishly dedicated herself to both the church and community.  Upon her retirement in 1999, the City of Vidalia designated Sunday, January 31, 1999 as Shirley Smith Day.  She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Vidalia and the Winsome Sunday School Class.   She was preceded in death by her parents, Tillman and Jessie Thompson Rowse; three sisters, Melba Lane, Bennie Downing, and Elizabeth Skiles; and a brother, George Rowse.  Shirley was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend who will be remembered for her endless compassion, gentle heart, and selfless deeds.  She was the anchor for her entire family as she always put others before herself.  Her gift of love and tenderness will never be forgotten. 

Mrs. Smith is survived by her husband of sixty-five years, Ed Smith; three children, Frank Smith and wife Lisa, Phyllis Smith James and husband Bill, and Hugh Smith and wife Selina, all of Vidalia; one sister-in-law, Louise Rowse of Sylvania; six grandchildren, Eric Smith, Hunter James and wife Maggie, Mark Smith and wife Alexis, Wendi Cason and husband Miles, Carson Smith and wife Ansley, and Lydia Smith; seven great-grandchildren, Taylor Hutcheson, Chance Smith, Kenley Smith, Greyson Smith, JoAlbie James, Banks Cason, and Barnes Cason; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held Monday, January 28th at 4:00 p.m. in the First Baptist Church of Vidalia with Reverend Don Moye officiating. 

The family will receive friends at the First Baptist Church on Monday afternoon from 2:00 until just prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Community Hospice Foundation, P.O. Box 2277, Vidalia GA 30475.

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