Geneva Ann Smith

January 23, 1939 – November 10, 2020 Preceded in death by the love of her life, Jim St. John, her parents, Talmidge & “Midge” Smith, and her beloved siblings, Lorine, Pete & Bubba,and neice, Patricia Roney.

She is survived by her nieces Karen Carter (Ed), Julie Harrell and Betty Lamar; her “adopted” children, MaryPat Payne (Joel); Kathleen Cordell (Gary), and Michael Cassidy (Sue); and all their children and grandchildren, whom Geneva loved as her own. She is also survived by cousins Evelyn Marie Spicer and Craig Courtney; many other nieces and nephews; her best friends, the “Babes,” whose friendship lasted 50 years; and dear friends in Nashville and Naples.

Geneva began her working career at Nashville Trunk & Bag then spent 12 years at Columbia Recording Studio in the early days of country music. She retired from the Davidson County Register of Deed’s Office in 2000.

In her younger years, Geneva loved entertaining and cooking for family and friends, especially at Christmas. She collected hundreds of cookbooks though she rarely followed a recipe. She traveled extensively and marveled daily at God’s creation. She converted to Catholicism as a young adult and was active in the Nashville Cursillo. She had a mischievous sense of humor and loved a good laugh. Geneva was proud to be an American and often wondered why God blessed her so much to be born in this country with so many loving family and friends. Known for her enveloping hugs, Geneva had a knack for collecting people, and everyone she took in was convinced he was her favorite.

Pall Bearers are Joel Payne, Ed Carter, Gary Cordell, Mike Cassidy, Michael Mitchell, Mark Carter, Christopher Payne, Noah Cordell, Morgan Cordell, and John Michael Cassidy.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 15, from 1 to 3 pm at Marshall Donnelly Combs Funeral Home,

201 25th Avenue, North, Nashville, TN 37203. A funeral Mass will be offered at St. Mary of the Seven Sorrows Catholic Church, 330 Fifth Avenue North, on Monday, November 16, at 11 am. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary of Seven Sorrows Catholic Church, PO Box 190606

Nashville, TN 37219 or Adoration Hospice, 545 Mainstream Drive #412, Nashville, TN 37228.