Mary Lavenia Smith

Lavenia worked for many years as the secretary at Eastwood Baptist Church in Nashville. She later served as a secretary for McCord Optometry before retiring in 2004.

Some of her favorite pastimes included singing hymns, playing card games with family and friends, and watching Gaither Vocal Band videos. She especially cherished her role as Mama and Nana also lovingly called Nina to all of her kids and grandbabies. Lavenia was a talented quilter, enjoyed playing the piano, and was known for making the very best fudge pie. Above all, she loved the Lord with all her heart and faithfully attended church every Sunday.

Lavenia is survived by her children: Jimmy Joe Cook II; John David Cook (Debbie); Jeanne Marie Ward (Norman); and Janet Murrian (Mike). She is also survived by her grandchildren: Kristi Duke; Jimmy Joe “Joey” Cook III; Tyler Cook; Jessica Deakins (Robert); Jamie Elizabeth McFarlin (Joshua); Kelsey Leigh Ward (Zach); Kevin Ward (Michayla); and Christopher Murrian (Abbie). She was blessed with eleven great grandbabies whom she loved so much.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William David and Mattie Ella Batson Hodges; her first husband, Jimmy Joe Cook Sr.; her second husband, Kenneth Eugene Smith; and her brothers, George Hodges, Richard “Dickey” Hodges, and William “Billy” Hodges.

Though she is no longer with us we find joy that she is now in the presence of her Savior. We will keep our beautiful memories of her in our hearts, especially when we see a beautiful white church with the highest steeple.

The family of Lavenia wishes to thank everyone for their kind words and prayers.

A service to celebrate Mrs. Smith will be at Two O’clock the afternoon of Friday, January 23, 2026, at Roselawn Funeral Home with Scott Mathews officiating. Burial will follow in Roselawn Memorial Gardens. Family will serve as pallbearers. Friends are cordially invited to visitation from Three O’clock till Seven O’clock the evening of Thursday, January 22, 2026, and from Twelve noon until the service begins at Two O’clock Friday, January 23, 2026, also at Roselawn Funeral Home, 5350 NW Broad Street, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37129.

Memorials may be made to Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, Paralyzed Veterans of American or St. Joseph’s Indian School in Chamberlain, South Dakota.