Elaine Gowen Gaughf-Smith

If one were asked to give an example of beauty, determination, love, humor, intelligence, and kindness, one answer would suffice for all-Elaine Gaughf-Smith. Elaine expressed these qualities in her own natural way every day. She was a loving mother, wife, and friend, always willing to go that extra mile to be there for others. Her approach to life was to make every moment count and never pass up an opportunity to try something new. She touched the lives of so many people-friends, family, students, and co-workers-in many ways, often unaware of the impact she had on those around her. When you lose someone you love, the memories become treasures. And those treasures have been spread far and wide to those who were fortunate enough to be able to spend some time with Elaine.

Elaine Gaughf-Smith ended her valiant battle against cancer on Friday, July 14, 2017. She served as an inspiration to all that knew her. Her life began on June 24, 1953 in Folkston, Georgia. She grew up in Folkston with her brother, Jerry Gowen, and a large extended family. Along with her brother, she is survived by her husband, Jonathan Smith, her daughter Carli Gaughf, her stepson Daniel W. Smith, and many cousins on both sides of her parents’ families. Elaine was preceded in death by her parents Louise (Coleman) Gowen and Clifton C. Gowen, both sets of grandparents, and her stepdaughter Jennifer (Smith) Griffin.

Elaine, also known as Ace, was given this name by her former husband (deceased), Don Gaughf. According to him, she was Ace because she was the top card in the deck. The nickname stuck and most people in and outside her school system family called her Ace.

While at Georgia Southern University, Elaine completed her undergraduate, master’s, and education specialist degrees in Education. She taught in the Laurens and Bulloch County school systems before relocating to Brunswick. During her years at Jane Macon Middle School, she taught math and served as an instructional technology specialist. She served as the mentor for the Drama Club, Math Club, and Junior Beta Club.

Later, she supported the Glynn County School System staff as an Instructional Technology Specialist. She provided instruction on the use software and technology in the classroom. At the Night High School she worked as the credit recovery specialist giving students the opportunity to attain credits that they might have lost otherwise. Her love of teaching and working with students led to her teaching classes for Armstrong and Coastal Georgia. She also taught distance learning classes, reaching out to students in other states. Whether working with students or staff, she was so helpful and beloved by all.

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When she wasn’t busy in those areas, she and Carli founded the Brunswick Summer Arts camp for elementary and middle school students. She became certified in Zumba and Pilates instruction. Most recently, she taught classes at The Grove. She completed many half-marathons in and out of state. Her most recent half marathon was in April.

Relay for Life was a special project that she supported every year. Elaine was a member of the Survive and Thrive Relay Team. In 2016, she was the top individual fundraiser for Glynn County. She served as a member of the American Cancer Society Breast Cancer Fashion Show Committee. Elaine’s enthusiasm for life and her beauty made her a stunning model in the fashion show just last fall.

She moved at top speed throughout out her life, sharing her joy for living and love for others through her daily interactions with everyone that she came in contact with. Elaine reached out to support others in any way that she could assist them.

Elaine leaves happy memories for everyone whose life she touched. Please join us in celebrating the joy that she shared at First Baptist Church of St. Simons Island at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 22, 2017. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in memory of Ace Gaughf-Smith to the American Cancer Society. Donations can be made by calling 800-227-2345 or online at www.cancer.org.