Chita Gaskin

GOOD GIRL GONE After 96 years of a blessed and bountiful life, Chita Smith Gaskin died peacefully with family at her side on 22 July, 2016. She was born in Birmingham on 9 June, 1920 to Alan McCune Smith and Chita Beasley Smith. She was the eldest of three girls, Mary Ida Dillon, and the late Betty Smith Evins. She was educated at Avondale Elementary School, Ramsay High School, St. Mary's College in Raleigh, N.C. and attended the University of Alabama where she was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority. "To always see the sunny side of life " was the "ambition" listed in Ramsay's 1937 yearbook. It was a goal she achieved every day of her long life. Chita married Thomas Allen "Country" Gaskin, Jr. in 1941 on the eve of WW 2. " A great fisherman lives here with the catch of his life" was the plaque that hung in the family kitchen. After Country's death and until her final days Chita could be heard to say "Country and I were so in love." Their union was blessed with the births of Thomas Allen Gaskin III (Nancy), Emmett Lee Gaskin, Chita B. Gaskin Middleton (Rick), and James McCune Gaskin (Amy). She had five grandchildren who adored her: Edith Ashley Middleton, Chita Smith Middleton, Emily Hilyer Gaskin, Mary Beasley Gaskin, Alan Campbell Gaskin. Nieces, nephews, and cousins were also a lifetime of pleasure and support. She was quick to laugh and all who knew her relished her sparkle and great sense of humor and fun. She was a woman of many interests and talents and enjoyed a network of friends who shared her love of golf, bridge (canasta in the early years) ,art, music, needlecraft, and flower arranging. As years went by, the ages of her golf circle declined so that when she finally bagged her clubs for the last time, she was playing with women her children's age. Chita's friendships led her to memberships in the Country Club of Birmingham, the Junior League, the Linly Heflin, Trowel Garden Club, sewing clubs, Cambridge Study Club, bridge clubs, and travel groups. Her children's friends thought she was "cool". From birth, she was a faithful and devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church. Students of her Sunday School class still remember the golden chair and penny box for the birthday child. Her grandfather Emmett Lee Smith's memorial window was a lifelong source of pride. She is survived by her sister, her children and grandchildren. Chita expressed, and her family echoes, gratitude for the loving care that she received from her caregivers. A memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church at 10:30 AM on Saturday, 30 July with a reception to follow at the church. It was Chita's wish that any memorials be made to the First Presbyterian Church and Brimingham Botanical Gardens. Characteristically, when asked how she would like to be remembered, she replied, with a twinkle in her eye, "GOOD GIRL GONE"

Arrangements under the direction of Ridout's Valley Chapel, Homewood, AL.