Maizie McCord Smith

Maizie McCord Smith was born in Orange County Virginia on July 10, 1921. Her early life was not an easy one, losing both of her parents at a young age and being separated from her younger brother, Lenwood (L.V.) as they were both raised in different homes by extended family and her older sister Virginia moved to Washington, DC.

Despite early challenges, Maizie proved to be a hard worker and exceptionally bright, winning the spelling bee championship and completing twelve grades of schooling in just ten years. As a teenager, she moved to Washington, DC to live with her sister and completed her high school diploma at McKinley Tech High School. She was proud to be a Golden Tekite and was happy she was able to attend the most recent class reunion in the Fall of 2018.

While living in DC, she met her lifetime love, Johnny Smith. But she would not marry him until she was 18. True to her word, five days after her 18th birthday, they were married at Rhoadesville Baptist Church on July 15, 1939. In the following years, they lovingly welcomed their son John and bravely endured the painful separation brought about by World War II. God blessed Maizie with Johnny’s safe return home and some years later, they would have a daughter, Patricia to round out their family. The couple enjoyed 65 wonderful years together.

Maizie’s most important work was as a wife and homemaker, although she worked briefly for Woodward and Lothrop when first married. She was devoted to her church and served it faithfully in whatever capacity God called her to. She was the Church Clerk for over twenty years, taught 4-year old Sunday School, and later filled the position as Church Secretary, supporting the pastors and the ministry.

Throughout the years, Maizie and Johnny were surrounded by friends and family and remained incredibly close to all their siblings and many nieces and nephews. They were overjoyed to welcome grandchildren as they came along. Grandchildren Shelley, Vanessa, Scott, Jason, Megan and Kristen were special gifts from God. Maizie and Johnny made it a priority to be involved in their lives, celebrate their successes and share in their trials. When the great-grandchildren started coming, there could be nothing better! Nathan, Brady and Ashley were the first to arrive and soon there was little space for more proud pictures to be displayed.

Later, as Johnny’s health began to fail, Maizie remained his constant companion and caregiver to the end. His loss was almost unbearable but Maizie remained the family matriarch and summoned the courage and strength to go on. There were more weddings and great-grandchildren to come – Paul Jr., Hailey, Emma, Tessa and Kelsey. Maizie proudly counted them off and loved spending time with each of them.

Even as Maizie retained her keen intellect, memory and wisdom, her body began to endure its human failings. Time after time, she fought back with her steadfast faith and iron will, surprising many with her recoveries and determination to remain independent and in her own home. With her last round of medical challenges, God granted a miracle, allowing her to rebound from the brink and regain her strength after five weeks of hospitalization and rehab. Once again she was well enough to return home and she was so content and laying out the plans for things that needed to be done! A little more than a day later, she left her earthly home for the last time and entered the Kingdom of Heaven on June 9, 2019.

Her body will make one last journey to her birthplace – back to Rhoadesville which was always home in her heart and where, over the years, she visited as often as possible. Her homecoming is as God planned and what joy there must be in Heaven by Johnny and all who have been waiting for this day.