Georgia Lou Smith

Georgia Lou Smith, 87, passed away peacefully at home in Jacksonville, Florida, on September 1, 2022, while surrounded by family. She was born February 19, 1935, in Wood River, Illinois, where she lived most of her life. She moved to Florida in 2015 after wintering here for many years. 

Georgia graduated from Wood River High School and attended Central Bible Institute in Springfield, Missouri, where she sang in the Revivaltime Choir. She worked as an administrative assistant at the Wood River Township Hospital, and as a legal secretary for James Struif and, later, the John Simmons law practice in Alton, Illinois. She served for many years as a church pianist, accompanying trios, ensembles and choirs. Upon retirement she and her husband Clifford moved to Carlinville, Illinois, where they both enjoyed volunteering with the Assemblies of God’s RV/MAPS program and serving in the cafeteria at the Lake Williamson campground. Georgia never met a stranger, and her infectious laugh and boisterous good humor brought joy to everyone who was blessed enough to cross paths with her. 

Georgia is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Clifford H. Smith, Jr., daughter Concetta (Jeff) Westcott, granddaughters Rachel (Taylor) Moenning and Sarah Westcott, and one great-granddaughter, Ruthie Moenning; as well as a number of nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly: Sam (Vickie) Reaves, Steve (Debbie) Reaves, Christi (Francis) Moore, Patrice (Jon) Lawson, and Debi (Gary) Maki. 

A Memorial Service will be held 11:00 a.m., Thursday, September 8, 2022 at Redeemer Church, 190 S. Roscoe Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 followed by a graveside service at 2:00 p.m. at Jacksonville National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Assembly of God’s Teen Challenge program at the following link: www.shelbygiving.com/app/giving/idcag (click “designated giving” under "Recurring"  tab and select “Adult and Teen Challenge”).