A Celebration of Life for Mrs. Georgia Mae Smith, Sunrise July 17, 1930, Sunset March 8, 2009, Saturday, March 14, 2009, Eleven O'clock, Christians for Change Baptist Church, 2110 Bethsaida Road, Riverdale, GA 30296, Reverend Michael Wayne Baldwin, Pastor

aturday, March 14, 2009 Eleven O'clock
Christians For Change Baptist Church 2110 Bethsaida Road Riverdale, GA 30296
Reverend Michael Wayne Baldwin, Pastor

Obituary
Georgia Mae Yancey, second born daughter of Harrison and Fannie Mae Yancey, was third of six children. Although she was born in Fayette County and was partially raised in College Park, GA, she lived in Selma, Alabama where she was raised by her Aunt Georgia after the death of her father. It was from her namesake that she learned her poise, etiquette and ladylike tnanner - as well as how to play the piano. Alabama is also where her formal education began. When her dear sweet Aunt Georgia could no longer care for her, she returned to Georgia and was placed in the foster care of James and Mattie Bolton, where she lived for several years.
When Georgia was a young teen her mother was able to care for her again and Georgia returned home to College Park where she attended South Fulton high school (East Point, GA). It was in those early teen years that she met, fell in love with and married Lewis Melvin "LM" Smith, who was the love of her life. They were united in Holy Matrimony January 9, 1947 and they started their life together in College Park, Georgia. Four children were born to this blessed union: Bernard Lewis (deceased), Brenda Dianne, Gregory, and Grayling Eric.
Georgia Mae worked early on as a domestic worker caring for children in their homes and her own, preparing the main meal for the family and doing light housework. She began work as a cook for Fulton County School System in 1958, working at several different schools. The majority of her career was spent at Lakeshore High School of College Park. There she attended many advanced cooking and nutrition courses as she moved her way up the chain of command in the kitchen to 1st assistant to the Dietician of the school. During her tenure, she had a very positive effect on the students, serving as friend, advisor and surrogate mother depending on the needs of the child. She often worked with caterers of large parties as well as cooking for families in their homes.
Georgia's love of God was professed at an early age when she was baptized at Friendship Baptist Church. Early on she sang in the choir but found other areas of the church that suited her best. For several years she served as the overseer of the kitchen ministry at Friendship Baptist Church, making all purchases for special events like Vacation Bible School. She served on many auxiliaries as everything, from faithful member to Treasurer to President. Some of them include the Willing Workers, Usher Board, Missionary Society (president 1990-1992), Matrons, and Deaconess' and most recently served on the Mothers' Board of Christians For Change Baptist Church. One of the things that gave her the most joy was serving as President and Chairperson of the Deaconess' Women's Retreat for two consecutive years.

As a showing of appreciation for her dedication and service, Georgia received numerous awards, plaques and certificates from the church and the Atlanta Missionary Baptist Association - Women's Division. Georgia was also an active member of the New Era Baptist Convention where she traveled extensively with her late dear friend Mother Mary Lee Lockett. During her years of service with the Convention and the missionary she forged many life-long friendships with strong Christian women and men. Georgia and LM ' s love and devotion to each other and the church have touched many, many couples and lives which has been a ministry all it's own. Predeceased by her parents, Harrison and Fannie Mae Yancey; her son Bernard Lewis Smith; her brothers Ernest T. Yancey and James T. Yancey; her sisters Geneva Wilcoxson and Van Essie Florence. Mother Georgia Mae Smith is survived by: her loving husband of 62 years Lewis Melvin "LM" Smith; daughter Brenda Dianne Smith; her sons Gregory Smith and Grayling Eric Smith (Debbi), her devoted brother Harrison Yancey, Jr. (Gloria); Her grandchildren: Conan Gabriel McGough, Demetrius Smith, Gregory and Moses Smith; Daryle Ashurst (April); Damita Stargell (Maurice); great-grandchildren: Tiara and Lee Maxwell "little LM'; a life long best friend Jeanette Collins, daughter-in-love Venice Diane Pettaway; platonic granddaughters Tamika Kelly and Tracey Etchison (Kerry), and their three sons and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. As a nurturing caregiver from their birth she helped to raise Lauren and Haley Miller and Rachael Bryant. This is only the beginning of her family. There were so many other people who loved her and knew her as "Mama", Grand Mama, Auntie, Sis or just dear friend.
Georgia's warm, loving, and inviting smile along with her encouraging way will be remembered and cherished by all.

Now that I'm gone, release me. Let me go.
The road I've traveled, someday you'll know. You must not tie yourself to me with tears,
~ Be happy that we had so many years. / I gave you love. You can only guess,
How much you gave to me in happiness. I thank you for the love you've shown But now it's time I travel on alone. So grieve a while for me, if grieve you must;
Then let your grief be comforted by trust. It is only for a while that we must part,
So cherish the memories within your heart. - Although I may seem far away,
I trust we'll meet again someday. T1io gh you cannot see me I'll be near The love we shared should calm your fear. Then when you must ~ come this way alone 1'11 greet you with a smile and say
"Welcome home!"

Order of Se1vice

l\1ooitati()n ...................................................

Musicians

Processional...................................................

Clergy and Family

"Soon and Vcry Soon

Hymn ............................................................ .

Blessed Assurance

Inspiration fron1 Scripture ........................... .
Old r1'e tatncnt
Ne\\' '1 'cstan1cnt

l~ev. Diana Glenn l~e\. Clyde Sn1ith

Prayer ............................................................

l~ev. Ruffin\\ ashi ngton

Sclectiotl ........................................................

U nitoo Voices for Chiist

rl 'ributcs ....................................................... .

Deacon l\1ichacl Sn1ith Deaconess Charlie M. Greer Mothers' Board Salute
-l\1other l\1innie Rainey

Prayer ofComfort ........................................

Evangelist Genella \V. Sullivan (Niece)

Song ...............................................................

'l"he Cox B rothcrs

Obituary ........................................................

(R.ead silently)

Musical and Pictorial Tribute

Selection ........................................................

U nitcd voices for Chiist

EtllOf,")' .......................................................... .

l~ev. l\1ichael \Vayne Bald\vin

Acknowledgements .......................................

Matjorie E11is

l~ecessional. ................................"We're Marching"

Interment
Southview Memorial Gardens Atlanta, Georgia
Repast will be held in the Christians For Change Family Life Center.

"You~re n1y baby. You~re 111y pet. t s's tell
in love on the night we n1et. To n1y wife, \Vho \vill ahvays be n1y girl! I love you."
L.M.
"How can I tell everyone else ho\v much I love you? It is often said \VC arc like t\virys. l\1y prayer is that I can be half the \Von1an, the fricn4, and the confidanr to others the \vay you ha\'Cbeen. 'll1at's the gift I \Vant fron1 you. "A mother's love cannot be mea'iurcd. ~1om I thank you for your smile-you.gave-n1c that you \\'crcn1y rock, my joy, n1y trca'iure. for sure. __And ma)tt just_maybe in tin1e the -111ere's no \\'ay to put my tears on this paper. rest will con1c. I \Viii ahvays love you Abigail." YOtl \Vere n1y best ftiend. I \Villlove you and
Your'I\vin tniss you forever."
"Sugar! Sugar! Sugar! - Please hear me - I an1 going to tniss your beautiful smile, your wam1 hugs, your loving voice, and your very presence. I am glad that God chose me to be your son, ho\\' blessed that makes me. You \Vill forever be in n1y heart. Love ya no\v!"
Eiic

Pall Bearers Deacon Board
Flower Bearers Mothers' Board and
Deaconess Board Acknowledgements
Professional Services Entrusted To: Gus Thornhill's Funeral Home, Inc.
1315 Thornhill, Jr. Drive East Point, GA 30344
Precision Graphic Printers, Inc. 404.684.6444