Evelyn Smith

Kathryn Evelyn Gray Smith went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, August 7, 2016. She was born January 17, 1931, and raised in Quincy, Florida. Evelyn was the daughter of Charles Hyram Gray Sr and Gertrude Darsey Gray. Mr. Gray was the elected school superintendent of Gadsden County for over twenty years. Evelyn attended Florida State University in Tallahassee. She later met and married Leroy Jackson Smith in Quincy, Florida at her home church. They moved to Mobile, Alabama and raised four sons, who gave them ten grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Jack and Evelyn just celebrated their sixtieth wedding anniversary.

While in college, Evelyn was a member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority at Florida State University. She graduated with a Bachelors of Arts in Speech and English. She loved teaching high school English. After teaching English and Speech at Davidson High School for five years, she decided to stay home to raise her boys. As the boys got older, she was able to concentrate on her love for the church; and her passion for the arts, civic duties, and her community. She actively participated in the following: The Mobile Opera Guild, The Arthritis Foundation, American Cancer Society, Joe Jefferson Players, and many others. She enjoyed playing the piano and the clarinet, and spending time with her bridge club.

Evelyn's presence and warm smile radiated Christ's love.Throughout her life, Evelyn was a member of Centenary United Methodist of Quincy Florida, Saint Francis Street United Methodist, and lastly Dauphin Way United Methodist Church in Mobile, Alabama, where she served the majority of her time. Evelyn was active in her church and community. She participated in hand bell choir, singing choir, Meals on Wheels, Sunday School, and Couples Club. She also supported a child through the African Children's Choir.

She leaves behind her beloved husband of 60 years, L. Jack Smith; four sons: Kenneth Jackson, Alan Gray (Cindy), Robert Keith (Kelly), and Roger Charles (Denise). She was also blessed with 10 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Her sister, Jimmie Gray Beck from Tallahassee, Florida, and two sister-in-laws: Ellen Smith (wife of Milton Smith) from Pensacola, Florida, and Lois Smith (wife of Richard Smith) from Tallahassee, Florida, and many other loved family members and friends.

She joins her loving family, her parents Charles Hyram Gray and Gertrude Darsey Gray; two brothers Dr. Charles Gray, Jr (Anita), Dr. Edwin Gray (Sunny), a sister, Elizabeth Gray Haire (Marcus), and brother-in-law Dr. Otis Beck (husband of Jimmie Gray Beck).

She also joins the cherished members of her husband's family. Jack's brothers: Milton Smith (husband of Ellen Smith), and Richard Smith (husband of Lois Smith); and sisters: Carolyn Pingrey (Donald) and Mary Lou Haynes (Lamar).

The Celebration Service will be held Friday, August 12, 2016 at 12pm with visitation beginning at 10:30am-11:45am. It will take place at Dauphin Way United Methodist Church, 1507 Dauphin St, Mobile, AL 36604. Interment will be in Mobile Memorial Gardens.

The pall bearers are: Brad Smith, Jonathan Smith, Robert Ferrara, Brent Mayhew.

The family would like to express their gratitude for all the love, support, and calls you have showed them during this time of grief.

Visitation

Dauphin Way United Methodist Church
1507 Dauphin Street
Mobile, AL  36604
Friday, August 12, 2016
10:30 - 12:00 Noon

Service

Dauphin Way United Methodist Church
1507 Dauphin Street
Mobile, AL  36604
Friday, August 12, 2016
12:00 Noon

Cemetery

Mobile Memorial Gardens
6100 Three-Notch Road
Mobile, AL  36619