Mayme Vacketta Smith

She was born in Westville, Illinois, where her Italian family ran most of the town. Mayme was an excellent HS athlete and went on to graduate from the U of Illinois with a Physical Ed degree and being Point Guard on the Women’s basketball team. It was while there that she met her “strikingly handsome young Navy Officer”, Lt. Joe G Smith, whom she later married, in NYC, and enjoyed 50+ years together. He proceeded her in death.

Mayme was a proud Navy Officer’s Wife and loved every 1-1.5 yearly assignment changes, the traveling, and all the challenges each new assignment brought. She lobbied for military families wherever they were stationed. While on Kwajalein, Marshall Islands, she taught High School island students through correspondence and ham radio dispatches.

Daughter Sherry was born while stationed in Louisville, KY; daughter, lolani, while in Pearl Harbor.

After Navy retirement in 1974, Mayme and Gordon found Merritt Island and wanted to live here “forever.” Their love of entertaining would continue through all the new friends they were to make. Gordon was instrumental in expanding the Chamber to 1,000s of new members, while Mayme volunteered with the Red Cross for more than 30 years in the PAFB hospital. Both became active in the community and loved the friendships they made throughout the years, including many astronauts whom they hosted in their home. Mayme’s PEO Sisters were treasures to her and annual convention trips were a delight.

Mayme’s true love, besides her family, dancing, and entertaining was BINGO! Wednesday night was the Girls’ night out on most bases where they lived. However, when Gordon surprised her on her 75th Birthday with a trip for daughters and nieces to Las Vegas, Mayme’s new love became the penny slots! For 13 years, as long as she was able to travel, the annual trek to slots, shows, and new restaurants became an all-time favorite for all.

Mayme enjoyed a fulfilling, rewarding life until these past years when Alzheimer’s/Dementia took her reasoning and memories. She was fortunate to stay living in her home, and when daughters and families were not with her, she was in the loving care of caregivers Teena and Rena, whom the families thank for maintaining the quality of life as long as possible and for loving Mayme as one of their own. Later, Brittany of Hospice joined the team and was a true “angel” in Mom’s journey.

Mayme is survived by Daughters Sherry Gaulke (Tom) and Lani McKnight (Charlie); Grandson Brent Gaulke (Charlie), Granddaughter Kelly Gaulke (finance Bob), Great Grandkids Gunnar & Logan Gaulke; Nieces Bea and Nina, Nephews Bill and Joe, as well as best friends of 40+ years, John and Elaine Schnabel and Jansen Davis. She was preceded in death by her parents, George & Beatrice Vacketta, Mary Vacketta, Brother Ore, Sisters Ana and Dorothy; Husband Capt. Joe G. Smith, and Grandson Adam McKnight.

A Memorial Celebration will be Wednesday, December 13th, at 10a.m. American Burial, 1200 US Highway 1, Rockledge.

A private family gathering will follow at the gravesite.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to PEO, Chapter EM Women’s Scholarships, or the Red Cross.

Wylie-Baxley Funeral Home will provide details.