Mrs. Mary Claude Smith

Mary Claude Smith, age 97, of Winder, passed away on Saturday, May 23, 2015. She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Robert J. Smith, Jr. Born in Graceville, FL, she was the daughter of Fannie Lee Davis Tindel and Claude Tindel, and step-mother, Mary V. Tindel. Mary Claude graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Home Economics and was a member of the AOII sorority. Upon graduation she taught Home Economics in Snead, FL. A devoted wife, mother and grandmother, she returned later to the University of Georgia to complete a second degree in Elementary Education. She enjoyed teaching after her daughters were raised and continued to be interested in education after retiring. She was a member of the First Christian Church of Winder and continued to love the church throughout her life.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, William Claude Tindel of Gainesville, FL, and nephew David Tindel Cummins.

She is survived by her sister, Evelyn Tindel Cummins of Dothan, AL; daughters and sons-in-law, Sandra and Dan White of Hoschton, GA and Donna and Whit Embry of Sautee-Nacoochee, GA; grandchildren Scott Jackson of Jasper, GA and daughter-in-law Dianne Jackson, Rebecca Carey of Savannah and son-in-law Clinton Carey, Stephanie Gibson and son-in-law Tony Gibson; great-grandchildren, Holden Jackson, Morgan Jackson, Mary Beth Jackson, Anna Carey, Jack Carey, Hannah Gibson, Caroline Gibson and Sarah Gibson, and also a number of nieces and nephews.

Mary Claude had many wonderful and devoted caregivers. Among them were Shirley Phillips, the late Peggy Scheonborn, Letty Blakley, Dean Howington, Frances Francis, Esther Winder, Mary Hix, Suzzane Booth, and Xenia Hendley. Many thanks to the wonderful caregivers at Magnolia Estates and Comfort Keepers. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., at Rose Hill Cemetery in Winder, with the Rev. Jim Brooks officiating. Donations may be made to the Winder First Christian Church in her memory.