Marilyn A. Smith

It is with heartfelt sorrow that we announce the passing of Marilyn A. Smith, a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, on November 5, 2024, in Georgia. Born on September 8, 1928, in Buffalo, NY, Marilyn grew up in Buffalo and Uniontown, PA. After graduating from the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics with a secretarial diploma, she embarked on a lifelong career as a dedicated executive secretary at Jefferson-Pilot Life Insurance Company, where she worked from 1969 until her retirement in 1999. She continued to work part-time at the International Home Furnishing Center in High Point, NC, building friendships and spreading joy wherever she went.

Marilyn was a woman of steadfast faith and was deeply involved in her church communities throughout her life. An active member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in High Point, NC, she cherished singing in the choir, playing hand bells, and participating in the High Point chapter of Eastern Star. In Georgia, she became a dedicated member of Christ the Lord Lutheran Church in Lawrenceville. Marilyn shared her love of faith by teaching Sunday school, and she took joy in sharing God’s word and the teachings of the Bible with her family and friends.

Marilyn’s life was filled with creative pursuits and a love for learning. She enjoyed reading, art classes, quilting, crocheting, and gardening. In her younger years, she was known for her love of roller skating and delighted others by playing the piano. Her family will forever remember her as a loving, kind, and caring matriarch who always made them feel valued, supported, and surrounded by happiness.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Evelyn Arndt; her ex-husband, M. Gordon Smith, Jr.; and daughter-in-law, Judie Smith. Marilyn is survived by her sons, M. Gordon Smith, III (Jan) of Liberty, SC, and Joel Smith (late Judie Smith) of High Point, NC; her daughter, Lisa Ragan (Roland) of Lawrenceville, GA; as well as 8 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren, who were her pride and joy.

A memorial service will be held at Christ the Lord Lutheran Church, 1001 Duluth Hwy., Lawrenceville, GA, on Saturday, November 23, at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Christ the Lord Lutheran Church in Marilyn’s memory.

Marilyn’s warm heart, faith, and devotion to her family and friends will be cherished by all who knew her. She leaves a legacy of love and faith that will live on in the hearts of those she loved.