Ella Smith

Ella Grace Smith, formally of Georgia and currently of Gulf Breeze, passed away Monday July 25, 2022 at the age of 91.

She was born in Gainesville, Georgia to Hoyt Lee Smith and Mattie Staton Smith on December 26, 1930.

She was the loving wife to Pinkney Bruce Smith for 62 years before he preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by 3 sisters; Louise Walker, Edith Chambers and Alice Boleman.

She is survived by son, Daniel Smith and wife Shawn Broadley Smith, her daughter, Greta Smith Schrock and her husband Richard Schrock.  She is also survived by her grand-daughter, Christine Grace Searles and her husband Michael Searles.  Other survivors include two sisters, Betty Thompson and Mary McClure, a large number of nieces and nephews who loved her dearly and always looked forward to visiting her whenever they came through Atlanta, and some of them even made trips to Florida to see her. Her best friend of over 60 years Ms. Helen Dalton is also one who will miss her.

Grace will always be remembered by all for her hospitality and the many wonderful meals and treats prepared in her kitchen. Equally she will be remembered for her gifted sewing needle.  She made countless stuffed animals and teddy bears for children and adults alike.  When her husband died, she made over a dozen teddy bears which were given to a local hospice organization to use for the comfort of patients in their last days.  At 90 she was still sewing, making teddy bears for several on staff at her senior community who were having babies.

After her husband’s death she lived at two senior communities in Pensacola. She enjoyed almost nine wonderful years at the Veranda Senior Community, where she loved the theme parties, her swim exercise group and a multitude of friends. She then moved to the Blake Assisted living community for two years and enjoyed their many activities as well.  Her final 5 months were spent at the Bee Hive in Gulf Breeze where once again you could find her at gatherings for holiday celebrations and music programs.

Her family is indebted to the gracious and caring staff and care givers at these 3 communities.  She loved all these folks that cared for her so well.

Her last days were attended by the great staff of Regency Hospice. Their gentle and loving care for mom will always be remembered.

Memorials can be made to Regency Hospice at 50 Beverly Parkway Suite 200 Pensacola, Fl. 32505

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Rose Lawn Funeral Home in Gulf Breeze where she will be laid to rest and be by her husband’s side once again.