Mrs. Annette Strickland Smith, 93, died Sunday, March 22, 2015, at Bethany Nursing Center of Millen following an extended illness.

She was preceded in death by her husband of over 50 years, James Martin Smith, Sr.

She is survived by her children, Linda S. Boland (John Kenneth), North Augusta, SC., James M. Smith, Jr. (Vera), Millen, Ga., and Kay S, Ballard (Danny), St. Mary's, Georgia; five grandchildren: Victor B. Kovac, III (Lola), Nicholson, GA, James Christopher Kovac (Catalina), Hull, GA, Randolph Scott Wilson, Martinez, Ga, Jamie Smith, Harlem, GA., Rachael S. Howell (William), Statesboro, GA.; two step- grandchildren, Danielle Williams, Millen and Jason Ballard, St. Mary's, GA.; and seven great grandchildren, Jacob M. Kovac, Adair Kovac, Salt Lake City, UT, Jesse Kovac, Conyers, GA., J.T. Wilson, Augusta, Ga; Haley, Makalah, and Christian Mackenzie, Harlem, Ga., and one sister, Betty Clifton of Millen along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Smith was born in Glennville, Georgia but moved to Millen with her parents, Leonard Palmer Strickland and Claire Mann Strickland. She graduated from Millen High School in 1939 as the Salutatorian and attended Georgia Southern College for one year, making top grades while working in the cafeteria and carrying a full course load. Prior to WWII she was employed by the telephone company in Millen, where she met and married her husband, James. After her husband was discharged from the Army following the war they worked together to build a family and a business, eventually establishing Smith Supply Company and later Smith Home Center where she served as the bookkeeper.
As long as her health permitted she was a faithful member of the Millen United Methodist Church where she belonged to the Beulah Garner Sunday School Class and the United Methodist Women. An avid gardener, she was a member of the Millen and Augusta Rose societies, often winning top awards with her beautiful roses. Through the years she participated behind the scenes in all the many activities involving her children including Sunday school, MYF, Scouting, 4-H, and Band.
She spent her lifetime caring for others. She was the first to rise in the morning and the last to go to bed. She taught all who came in contact with her to speak up for, "right," be fair and honest in all things, and to give others the benefit of the doubt.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a. m. Tuesday at the Millen Cemetery with Rev. George Durham and Vic Kovac officiating.

Honorary pallbearers are the members of the Beulah Garner Sunday School Class.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Millen United Methodist Church Building Fund P O Box 750, Millen, GA 30442, the Beulah Garner Sunday School Class, or Pruitt Bethany Activity Fund, P O Box 600, Millen, GA 30442.