Marjorie Smith

A memorial service for Marjorie Austin Smith, 99, Lawrence, Kansas, will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 3, 2012  at Plymouth Congregational Church.  A private service of internment will be attended by the family.  Mrs. Smith died Friday, February 10, 2012 at Brandon Woods Senior Living Center in Lawrence.

Mrs. Smith was born December 18, 1912, in Woodstock, Illinois, the daughter of Aubert V. Austin and Harriet (Long) Austin.  She attended public schools of Woodstock and attended the Universities of Buffalo and Kansas.  She married George Baxter Smith, September 6, 1934 and during their 69 years of marriage was an active partner in her husband’s civilian, educational and military careers.

She was a member of Gamma Phi Beta, Delta Kappa Gamma, The University Women’s Club, the 20th Century Club, Countryside Garden Club in Lawrence and West End Garden Club in Lutsen, Minnesota.  She was a member of P.E.O., Chapter GQ, and a member of the Plymouth Congregational Church, where she served on the Board of Trustees, the thrift shop and as president of Plymouth Women.  She was an Audio-Reader volunteer for 15 years and a life-member of the University of Kansas Alumni Association.  Her love of gardening brought years of enjoyment, not only in Lawrence, but at the family cabin in Lutsen, Minnesota.  Mrs. Smith faithfully attended home KU basketball games, sitting court side until the age of 96.

Survivors include sons, Dr. Stuart A. Smith (Anita), Rome, Georgia, and Dr. Malcolm W. Smith (Heather McPherson), Indianapolis, Indiana, two granddaughters, Stacey Terry (Jeff), Shannon Brown (Barry) and six great grandchildren.

The family is forever grateful to the outstanding staff at Brandon Woods at Alvamar and Grace Hospice.  The family suggests contributions to the University of Kansas Endowment Association in support of the performing arts, or to Plymouth Congregational Church, Lawrence, Kansas and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary.