Madlyn Crosthwait Smith

Madlyn Crosthwait Smith, age 98, died peacefully on January 30, 2021 in Birmingham, AL. The youngest child of Martha Hill and James Pinckney Crosthwait, she was born April 14, 1922 in the small town of Woodland, MS, to a family of educators and planters.

Madlyn’s world opened up when she became an airline stewardess in the glory days of the 1940s for Chicago and Southern Airlines (which would later merge with Delta Airlines), flying the Douglas DC-3 between Chicago, Memphis, New Orleans, and Havana, Cuba. It was on holiday in Havana that she met a dashing young USAF pilot stationed there. She married that handsome pilot, Captain Willard (Bill) Smith and continued her adventures as a US Air Force wife.

She and Bill relished their assignments in Greece in the early 1950s, England in the 60s, and various cities in the U.S., where they made life-long friends. They enjoyed many adventures in their travels throughout the world, but were happy to retire in Brooksville, FL, where Madlyn honed her skills at throwing the perfect cocktail party. Her friends will remember her artistic talent, her grace and loyalty, and her lovely smile.

Madlyn is predeceased by her husband, her parents, and her brothers, Alec, Owen, Boyd, and Edward Crosthwait. She is survived by her children Bill Smith, USAF ret. (Marge) of Navarre, FL, Gail Shelley (Don) of Hernando, MS, and Dr. Carol Smith of Birmingham, AL; grandchildren Kelly Moore (Samantha), Rebecca Smith, and Ashley Wildman (Robert); and great grandchildren Jordan, Kayleigh, and Andrew.

Burial will take place this summer in Washington, D.C. at Arlington National Cemetery, alongside her husband.

The best way to honor Madlyn’s memory is to continue to lead lives of good character with a spirit of adventure.

“The grass withers, the flowers fade, but the word of our God endures forever.” Isaiah 40:8