Mrs. Pattie Cook Smith, 95
Mrs. Pattie Cook Smith departed this earthly life on Thursday, December 15, 2022, at Delmar Gardens in Smyrna, Georgia just twenty-three days after celebrating her 95th birthday. Mrs. Pattie was born Pattie Arlene Cook just before Thanksgiving 1927 in Savannah, Georgia, the daughter of the late Jack Jerome Cook and Jessie Mae Patterson Cook. She was the older sister of the late Jacqueline Cook Sprole.
She is survived by her three children: Dr. Sharon Diane Smith of Atlanta, Georgia; Robert Walston Smith and wife Dr. Priscilla Childers Smith of Batavia, Ohio; Dr. Sandra Louise Smith Williams and husband Don Williams of Villa Rica, Georgia. Grandchildren include Sharon’s daughter, Savannah Southern-Smith and Matt Twomey of Los Angeles, California; Robert and Priscilla’s daughters: Lindsay Smith Nitardy and husband Skip of Cincinnati, Ohio; Erin Smith Walczewski and husband Luke of Cincinnati, Ohio; Ashley Smith Walsh and husband Owen of Palatine, Illinois; Sandra and Don’s children: Stephanie Lynn Williams of Villa Rica, Don Alan Williams and wife Heather Ledford Williams of Alpharetta, Georgia. Great grandchildren: Robert and Priscilla’s granddaughters, Shelby Nitardy, Kendall and Alexa Baily, and grandson Cameron Nitardy; granddaughter Kate Walczewski and grandson, Jack Walczewski; grandsons, Gabriel and Caleb Walsh, granddaughter Abby Walsh; Sandra and Don’s grandchildren: grandson, Sawyer Alan Williams and granddaughter, Piper Madelynn Williams.
While attending the University of Georgia, Pattie met Walston Lewis Smith (Walt); they married in a simple ceremony in June of 1948. They lived in Nashville, Georgia where Walt was the Agricultural Extension agent. They welcomed their first child, Sharon. They later moved to Irwinton where Robert and Sandra were born. In 1955 they moved to Adel where Walt served as County agent. Once their children were in late elementary and high school, Pattie earned her Bachelor of Elementary Education from Valdosta State College in 1969. She soon began teaching at Adel Elementary School where she taught third grade for eleven years, retiring in 1980.
As a longtime member of Adel United Methodist Church, Pattie was active in the Christian Joys Circle, Young at Heart, and the Keystone Sunday School class. Pattie and Walt took two mission trips to Tegusegalpa, Honduras and were deeply moved by the poverty and primitive conditions they found there. They were impressed at the impact a small group of missionary volunteers could make. Pattie held several offices in the American Legion Auxiliary.
After losing Walt, her beloved husband of 52 years, Pattie remained in Adel for 15 years. She later moved to Smyrna to be closer to her children, yet she never lost her love of Adel. She traveled quite a lot and resumed her painting and art, continuing to hone her skills as an accomplished artist until the loss of her eyesight made those activities difficult.
Pattie loved her family and was known as Nana by her six grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. She hosted a family trip to Walt Disney World for the entire group this past June. As Nana explored the parks for her first time ever, she was reminding everyone that she was older than Mickey Mouse himself. This celebration with family together in Disney World created lifelong memories for everyone, especially Nana.
Pattie Smith had a wonderful life. She impacted hundreds of children with her teaching, served her church and faith both locally and abroad, and celebrated her belief in Christ with her many acts of faith and love. Pattie advocated for hungry children here in the United States by making yearly donations to groups who make food available to children and their families.
The family will receive visitors on Saturday, January 14, 2023, from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at Boone Funeral Home, 1804 South Hutchinson Ave., Adel, Georgia. Pattie’s beautiful life will be celebrated with a memorial service on Sunday, January 15, 2023 at the Adel Wesleyan Church at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Pattie’s honor to:
A Gift of Love Backpack Ministries, PO Box 508, Lithia Springs, GA 30122 or to MUST Ministries, PO Box 1717, Marietta, GA 30061 or to any other local agencies who feed children and their families.
Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.boonefunerals.com. Boone Funeral Home has been entrusted with all arrangements.