Elizabeth Chung-mei Smith

Liz approached life with intense curiosity and a strong desire to learn, grow and create. Educated at Indiana University and Herron School of Art and Design, Liz sought and absorbed knowledge. With a photographic memory she could recall every flower, tree, seed variety or knitting stitch as well as the life stories of her grandmother’s brothers on their ranch in Clover Valley, Nevada.

This quest for learning extended to her deep study of the Bible. Liz both practiced her faith and sought to understand it better.

When Liz married, she was especially thrilled to gain four more brothers and two more sisters and her kindness extended to all of them. Her baby quilts, with individualized designs from butterflies to farm animals, are still treasured by many nieces and nephews.

A Master Gardener, Liz wanted dirt under her fingernails. She was a “tomato girl” who dreamed of having at least an acre to grow everything she wanted.

For work, she shared her passion for creating as an art teacher in the Indianapolis Public Schools, and her love for learning on staff at the Ft. Benjamin Harrison library.

But above all, Liz lived a life of profound kindness and generosity. She felt blessed and went out of her way to share what she had with others, whether that meant volunteering at her church, caring for elderly neighbors in need, donating to missions, or offering her carpentry skills around the neighborhood.

Liz is survived by her husband of 46 years Paul L. Smith, sisters Dorothy Krug (Julian) of Laguna Woods, CA and Patricia Cobb (Paul) of Louisville, KY.

A Celebration of her life will take place on May 10, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. at Crown Hill Crown Hill Funeral Home - Remembrance Hall, 700 W. 38th St., Indianapolis, IN 46208.