Obituary of Elizabeth Deane Williams Smith

Elizabeth Deane Williams Smith died peacefully on Friday, April 5, 2013 with her family at her side. Deane was born May 11, 1923 to Musa Pettus Whitfield Williams and William Benjamin Williams in Limestone County, Ala., where she attended school. Her father was descended from Texans going back to the Battle of San Jacinto and Texas statehood. She was the third generation of the Whitfield family as prominent cotton farmers along the Elk River at Veto. In 1945 while serving as a civilian staff member at Fort Campbell, Ky., she met and married the singular love of her life, Colonel Earl Smith. They spent 49 devoted years together until Earl’s death in 1994. Since that time, she has been a vital member of the families at the Continental Condominiums, having served as social director for scores of holiday events. She was comforted to the last by her beloved friends there, as she had comforted many others over the years. Deane was a person of great faith, following a Christian example her entire life. She was a member of First Cumberland Presbyterian Church for over 60 years, having been personal friends with the church’s founder Dr. J. Fred Johnson. Her gift for hospitality was a blessing to many through her Wednesday evening suppers. Deane was an avid bridge player and until her last days looked forward to her bridge clubs. The women with whom she played, some since the 1950’s, were a significant part of her joy and she loved them very much. She enjoyed getting “good cards” and winning as much as anyone. She is survived by her son, Andrew (Van) Smith, granddaughters, Phoebe Elizabeth (Trey) Mount, Anne Northrop Smith, Chesapeake, Virginia and grandson, Robert Earl Smith. Nieces and nephews are David (Cheryl) Williams, Culleoka,Tennessee, Mike Williams, Texarkana, Texas, Kirby (Alice)Smith, Durham, North Carolina, Craig Smith, Spokane, WA, Ruth Smith, Birmingham, Alabama, and Patsy (Hal) Hazelwood of Signal Mountain, Tn. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Earl, her stepson, John Cole Smith and his wife, Nancy, and her brothers, Frank Williams and Whitfield Williams and their wives. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a favorite charity. Deane will be buried with Colonel Smith at the Chattanooga National Cemetery in a graveside service on Tuesday, April 9, at 12:30 p.m. with Reverend Margaret Ferguson presiding. Arrangements are by Wann Funeral Home & Cremation Center, St. Elmo.