Sallie Belle Smith

Sallie Branyan Smith passed away peacefully on January 23, 2016, surrounded by family and friends. Born December 17, 1921 in Blue Springs, Mississippi, to Henry Oliver and Lillie Moffitt Branyan; the family moved shortly thereafter to Saltillo, Mississippi. Curious and adventurous as a child, she might “disappear” and be found

down the road accompanied by her dog. As a Teenager she could be a “challenge” to her loving but old fashioned parents. After two years of College (Blue Mountain and Delta State) her adventurous spirit took her to Talladega, Ala to work for the Red Cross, where she met her future husband, Lieutenant Mark Smith. Two children followed in short order and Sallie went to stay in Saltillo, while Mark was serving in Europe during the war. After the war, the young couple spent a year in Los Angeles, pursuing a joint business venture with Ed Clark, then a photographer covering Hollywood for “Life” magazine. After returning to Tennessee, the family spent three years in Lynnville, Tn where she taught at the High School. Moving to Nashville in 1953, Sallie completed her degree at Peabody College. She taught second and third grades in the Nashville public school system, the last ten years at Julia Green Elementary, retiring in 1982. Having divorced in 1968, Sallie continued to enjoy a full and rich life with her many friends, co-workers and family. Having five ganddaughters all growing up in Nashville kept her busy and involved with the new generation. She was “Nana” and also a buddy and sometimes co-conspirator with the girls, and their friends. She traveled the West (camping) with her sister, brother-in-law, and their two boys, and also accompanied them on a trip to Europe. In the late 1970’s on one of her adventures, she and three of her lady friends drove from Nashville to Mexico City and back. After retirement, Sallie worked for several years for the Nashville Chamber of Commerce as a “Red Coat Hostess”, helping with conventions, mainly at the Opryland Hotel, where she enjoyed meeting and interacting with people from all over the country. After holding several conventions in the late 1980’s, John Deere Company paid Sallie and some friends to work their two week convention in New Orleans, paying all expenses in addition to a salary--a real highlight in her life! In her 90’s Sallie would say that she never wanted to “get old”. She got her wish--she stayed young at heart until the end. Thanks to a loving family and to caregivers Mary, Lynn, Shaun and Donna, she was able to live in her house the last three years of her life. They not only took care of her, they enriched her life. The family will be forever grateful to these fine ladies. Sallie was preceded in death by her parents, and her brother Lewis Oliver Branyan of Saltillo. She is survived by her loving sister Janie Branyan Peacock, her brother-in-law the Rev. Hugh Peacock of Rome, Ga.; daughter Sylvia Jane Street, Nashville; son Mark Jack Smith Jr. (Christine Gottmeier), Nashville; Granddaughters: Melissa Marlow, Chattanooga; Tracey Cook Marlow, Nashville; Carrie Marlow Hodges (Chris), Nashville; Terri Smith, Connecticut; Brandi Smith (Mark), California. Great-Grandsons: Grant Cook and Austin Cook. Nephews: Chris Peacock (Michelle, Thomas, Mary Charlotte), California; Bran Peacock (Meghan), Georgia; Bob Branyan (Edie), Texas. Niece: Cindy Branyan Warren (Jack), Texas; loving former daughter-in-law, Edie Smith and former son-in-law, Dan Cook. Also numerous cousins and other relatives and many friends, in Nashville and in Mississippi and Georgia. Sallie was a member of Belmont United Methodist Church for over 50 years, volunteering and enjoying her interactions with the many friends she made there. Sallie is at peace now, but will be greatly missed by everyone who knew and loved her! According to her wishes, there will be a gathering of family and friends in the Spring (to be announced) in celebration of her life.

Donations in her memory may be made to Belmont United Methodist Church, on Acklen Avenue, in care of Ken Edwards.