Edith Miller Smoak

We are sad to announce the passing of Edith Miller Smoak. Memorial Services will be conducted at 11am Saturday, February 15, 2025 in the chapel of Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home Edith was born in Orangeburg, SC, September 7, 1937. She left us longing for more time with her on February 10, 2025.

Edith attended school in Bowman, SC, where she graduated Valedictorian of her senior class in 1955. She was encouraged by a teacher Frances Shuler to pursue a college degree in education at Columbia College in Columbia, SC where she graduated with honors.

Following graduation, Edith taught social studies in Beaufort, SC for six years, but she decided she needed a change, so she landed in Brunswick, Georgia in 1965 (a treasure for Glynn County) where she was hired at Glynn County Junior High by Mr. Robert Couch to teach social studies. Her superior teaching skills resulted in her being selected, along with Mr. Couch, to open Brunswick High School in 1967. Edith was loved by her students and had the proud honor of teaching the first BHS graduating class in 1970. During her tenure at BHS, Edith earned a master’s degree in education at the University of Georgia (contrary to the hopes of all her family she would come to Clemson). They all bleed orange.

During the 1975-76 school year, Edith was honored to be selected as the BHS teacher of the year. She went on to become the state of Georgia teacher of the year and one of the four top teachers in the nation, an honor she treasured for life.

Edith retired from teaching in 1989, but this did not stop her pursuits of her dreams and continuing to make a difference in the world. She and Camille Penders started a cottage industry called Pipe Dreams which shipped handmade Christmas ornaments all over the world. This kept the two of them busy for 12 years; however, Edith was not finished. She became one the greatest tour guides in the Golden Isles sharing her knowledge of Glynn County with an emphasis on the history of St. Simons Island. She was the trolley step on guide for many years and educated many locals and tourists on the history and rich legends of SSI.

Edith leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews and a lifelong friend and partner in crime, Camille Penders. Their friendship spanned 6 decades and was filled with their love of music, hundreds of friends, traveling in Edith’s van, their love of Christmas, their caring for their homes on Highland Ave and Wesley Oaks Circle, and spending time with great family members, most of whom are with us today.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to Hearth Hospice, 208 Scranton Connector, Suite 123, Brunswick, GA 31525 or the charity of the donor’s choice.