Hazel Marie Smiley

Marie was born in Bennington, Oklahoma, on April 14th, 1929, to Maynard Cox and Jennie Mae Archer Cox as the sixth of nine siblings. As humble sharecroppers in Oklahoma, Marie’s family experienced hardships due to the lasting effects of the Dust Bowl. When she was a teenager, they left Bennington and headed west, making stops along the way, including a six-month stay in Arizona with Marie’s older sister, Christine.

Ultimately, they arrived in California, where Marie would build a life full of love, service, and community. She was a dedicated member of the Assembly of God church in Carlsbad, where she attended regularly with her parents and siblings. It was there she met the love of her life and future husband, Blaine Daniels Smiley. They were married in 1947 and welcomed daughter Marcia, in 1949, and son Dennis, in 1953.

For nearly 40 years, Marie ran a daycare center at her home, lovingly caring for and looking after children. She was also a lifelong learner—she attended local Mira Costa College and earned an Associate’s Degree in Child Development. She was a quick study and enjoyed picking up new hobbies and learning how to fix things around the house. Throughout her life, she was a hard-working woman who successfully balanced a career, family life, and a commitment to her community.

Marie is preceded in death by husband Blaine Daniels Smiley; parents Jennie Mae Archer Cox and Maynard Cox; brothers Preston Audie Cox and Roy Ray Cox; and sisters Annabell Robinson, Dessie May Kuhn, Stella Christine Vanderburg, and Neoma Ruth Winans. She is survived by her two sisters, Frances Fisler and Donna Griffin; her children, Marcia Eslinger and Dennis Smiley; six grandchildren—Jessica, Justin,Michael, Megan, Gregory, and Geoffrey; and six great-grandchildren—Lily, Savannah, Charlotte, Emma, Jack, and Wyatt.

Marie lived a life full of love, grace, and wisdom. She will be missed, but her legacy will live on through her children, her grandchildren, her great-grandchildren, and all the people she touched with her generous spirit.

A small family graveside service was held on December 5th, 2024, at Eternal Hills Memorial Park in Oceanside, California. A Celebration of Life honoring Marie will be held on Sunday, February 16th, 2025, from 4pm to 6:30pm at the Woman’s Club of Carlsbad (3320 Monroe Street, Carlsbad, CA 92008). The informal event will allow everyone to connect and share memories with each other. Light refreshments will be served and there will be a short program at 5pm. No RSVP is required and all are welcomed to attend.