Laurette Smith

Laurette was born November 28, 1926, in Cartersville, Georgia, to Sidney and Laura Strickland. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband David Smith, her son Stuart Smith, her sister, June Brittingham, and her infant son, Malcolm Smith.

Laurette was a 1947 graduate of Auburn University, where she received her Bachelor of Science degree. After college, she worked for Ralph McGill, editor of the Atlanta Constitution. She later joined the U.S. Foreign Service and was stationed in the consulate in Haifa, Israel for several years. It was there she met her Scottish husband, David. They married in Israel in 1955. Laurette and David lived in Isreal and Scotland before settling in Canada in 1957, where their children Stuart, Susan, and Joanne were born.

In 1974, following the death of her husband, Laurette moved with her three children back to Cartersville to her family home. Laurette was active in the community as well as her church. She was a member of the DAR and the Etowah Valley Historical Society, where she held various positions. She also returned to college, obtaining an additional degree from West Georgia College, and she held positions at Cass High School and the Cherokee Presbytery before retiring. Laurette enjoyed bridge, gardening, reading, antiquing, and her longtime friends. She spent many hours loving on her grandchildren and her family, and they will miss her deeply.

Laurette is survived by her daughters; Susan (Joel) Bentley, Joanne (Jim) Pugh, grandchildren; Margaret (AJ) Shelman, Elizabeth Jones, and Henry Jones, and great- grandson George Shelman, as well as much-loved nieces; Beth (Steve) Lindsey, Leslie (Jeff) Schar, and Irene (Ed) Mallory.

To honor Laurette’s wishes, the family will hold a small private service at the family cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Laurette’s memory to Sam Jones Methodist Church or the Etowah Valley Historical Society.