Selina May Smith

Selina May Smith, 97, passed away peacefully Monday, January 8, 2018 at San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital in Banning, California. She was born on May 13, 1920 in San Bernardino, California to Frederick Angelo Margie, a native of Italy, and Elizabeth Martin Margie, a descendant of the San Bernardino Pike and Sawyer pioneer families.

Selina graduated from the University of Redlands in 1942 with a B.A. in Education and earned a Teaching Credential in Elementary Education. She married her husband Floyd William Smith that same year. Selina went on to teach 1st Grade for the San Bernardino School District for 37 years, retiring in 1979. She had earned the respect of her colleagues and administrators for her dedication to her pupils and for her service as a mentor teacher. For her, every event or change of season was a teachable moment. Residing in San Bernardino for most of her life, she looked for a smaller home after the death of her husband Floyd in 1985. In 1987 she moved to Sun Lakes Country Club in Banning and was a Founding Member. Her retirement years were filled with traveling the world: China, Russia, India, North Africa, Australia and all points in between. She enjoyed playing tennis and continued to do so well into her 80’s. She loved Mexican food, milk chocolate, and especially Almond Roca. A life-long Christian, she was an active member of the First Church of the Nazarene in San Bernardino and then the Banning Church of the Nazarene. She taught Sunday School and was a member of the Missionary Society. In her final months Selina was a resident of The Lakes Assisted Living community in Banning. She enjoyed playing bingo and watching tennis on T.V. The family would like to thank the caregivers and staff at The Lakes for making her life enjoyable there.

Selina was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Floyd. She is survived by her son Robert William Smith and his former wife Sherril Ann Tinder, both of Riverside; her grandchildren Claire Marie Burke (Ryan) of Temecula and Gregory Christopher Smith of Riverside; and niece Susan Thomas (Grif) of Yucaipa. Private services will be held. Memorial donations in memory of Selina may be made to Banning Church of the Nazarene, 800 N. 8th St. Banning, CA 92220; University of Redlands Scholarship Fund www./redlands.edu/givenow (909) 748-8068; or San Gorgonio-Pass California Retired Teachers Association Scholarship Fund, 1297 Pine Valley Rd., Banning, CA 92220.