Margaret Lou Wasson Smith

Margaret Lou Wasson Smith, 94, beloved mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away at her home, Monday, February 21, 2011. Margaret was born June 13, 1916, in Chattanooga, to Lula Hornsby and James Edward Wasson. She graduated from City High School, attended Shorter College and the University of Chattanooga, and completed a degree in music. She was a fine pianist and xylophonist, and performed for many civic events in Chattanooga during her high school and college years. She was pre-deceased by her parents and her siblings, E. Hornsby Wasson, Marion Wilson, and Sara Fay Snow.

Margaret was married for thirty years to Stewart P. Smith, and together they had five loving children who all survive: Stewart P. Smith, Jr. (Cookie) of Evansville, IN.; Phyllis Berz (Paul) of Memphis; Suzanne Allen (Terry) of Nashville; David Smith (Sally) of Chattanooga; and Ruth Ellen McQuiston (Tom) of Memphis. She is also survived by twelve grandchildren who adored her: Jeff Smith (Katy) of Indianapolis, IN; Meg Gordon (Vince) of Sequim, WA; Jonathan Berz (Jenny) of Brookline, MA; Caroline Berz (Chico Colvard) of Somerville, MA; Alison Brooks (Matt Otto) of Madison, WI; Sarah Cassanego (Dante) of Somerville, MA; Franklin Smith of Banner Elk, NC; Stewart Smith of Chattanooga; Louellen Smith of Chattanooga; Margaret McQuiston of Portland, OR; Will McQuiston of Nashville; and Mary Grace McQuiston of Memphis; and by five great-grandchildren.

Margaret was known for her devotion to her family, her church, and her friends. She was a consummate cook and hostess, and her home was the site of many happy celebrations over the years. At her church, she was active in the Women of the Church and served as a Sunday school teacher and pianist for many years. She also enjoyed playing golf with friends at Chattanooga Golf and Country Club. She remained connected to her community until shortly before her death through her Pi Phi Book Club, Review Club, Riverview Garden Club, and bridge clubs.

Margaret’s children especially wish to thank their cousin Sally and her husband Cave Richardson, their daughter Jennifer and her husband Lane Ford and their children, for their love and devotion; and Margaret’s dedicated caregivers Lois Scott, Rita Harden, and Sue Buckner.

A celebration of Margaret’s life will take place at First Presbyterian Church, 554 McCallie Avenue, at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 24. The family will receive friends at the church from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. prior to the service.

The family is requesting that, in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts be given to World Missions at First Presbyterian Church; Northside Neighborhood House, 211 Minor St., Chattanooga, TN 37405; or Chattanooga Symphony and Opera Association, 630 Chestnut St., Chattanooga, TN 37402.

Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist.