Marguerite (Gresham) Smith

Mary Marguerite Gresham Smith, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and retired teacher passed away Sunday, December 22, 2024, peacefully at home with her loved ones around her. She was born on September 5, 1934 and grew up in Florence, Alabama to parents James Gresham and Edith Gresham.

She studied at the Florence State Teaching College, where she met the love of her life John D. Smith. While her husband was serving in Vietnam she went back and finished her education at the University in Florence where she got her degree in Elementary Education, while raising two children. She lived in 13 different duty stations while being a military wife, mom, and teacher. After her husband retired they then moved to Huntsville, Alabama where she worked at Harvest Elementary School and lived the rest of her life. Her and John D. Smith were happily married for 70 years.

She was an avid card player, dog lover, and proud grandmother. She loved to go play bridge with her girlfriends and always “get up to something fun”. She loved to socialize with everyone, play tennis, and travel. For many years her and her husband would travel every Christmas to make sure she could see her children and all of the grandkids. She was a believer in Christ and lead her life faithfully through the Lord. Highland Baptist Church, Harvest Baptist Church, and Calgary Baptist Church were her faith families throughout the years.

She was preceded by her parents, James Gresham and Edith Gresham, and her siblings, Betty Patton, Martha Jones, James 'Jim' Gresham, and George Gresham.

She is survived by her loving husband, Col. John D. Smith Ret; daughter, Sharon Turman, and husband Kenny; son, Phil Smith, and wife Leslie; seven grandchildren, Ryan Smith, Diana Mantilla and husband David, Meredith Smith, Lily Turman, Steel Smith, Stella Burke, Claudia Burke; great grandchild, Sophia Mantilla; and numerous extended family members.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Spry Funeral Home of Huntsville, where the family will receive friends Friday, December 27, from 10:00 until 11:00am.  A funeral service will follow at 11:00am in Spry Funeral Home's Chapel with Harlem Turman officiating. Interment will be at Tuck Cemetery in Harvest with a graveside service at 2:30pm Friday.  Pallbearers include: Mitchell Dorning, Ryan Smith, and Steel Smith.

Condolences and flowers can be sent to Spry Funeral Home of Huntsville, and in lieu of flowers you can donate to the Children’s Scholarship Fund. https://scholarshipfund.org

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