Born in Winnebago, Nebraska to Myrtle Gilson - Wood, she came to the Portland area as a child. Married to Jay H. Smith Jr for 55 years before he passed away in 1993. She is survived by their four children, JayIII, Gordon, Twyla, and Nita; seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
Her work career started in the mid 60's. She worked for the Pisgha retirement home, which became part of Behavioral Network, a mental health facility where she was a counselor. In her 80's, after many retirements from there, they honored her by naming a part of the housing "Harriet Court"
In the 40's through the 60's, when her children were at home, she volunteered in many youth and church activities. She held local and city leadership positions in Scouts, Campfire, and PTA. In addition, she ensured her children had a wide variety of opportunities, from ballet to music lessons. She never missed a performance and worked tirelessly "behind the scenes".
Harriet joined Kern Park Christian Church in the mid 50's where she became a deaconess. She also volunteered at Vera's Pantry (a charitable organization).
Harriet had a passion for learning, working toward a degree at Marylhurst College before moving to Arkansas. Her thirst for knowledge encompassed anthropology, archeology and ecology. Her love of travel and interest in ancient cultures took her to many parts of the world including standing on the Great Wall of China in 2002 to walking on Antarctica in 2004. Prior to that, she cruised through the Panama Canal and hiked the ruins of Machu Pichu.
When she was not traveling, her free time was spent gardening, bird watching, sewing, and swimming.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to one of her favorite charities:
National Arbor Day Foundation
National Audubon Society
or Nature Conservancy
A Graveside Service will take place on Tuesday, June 12th, 2012 at 3pm in Skyline Memorial Gardens, 4101 NW Skyline Blvd., Portland, Oregon, 97229 (503) 292-6611. Following the Graveside Ceremony, a Reception will take place in Kern Park Christian Church, 6828 Southeast Holgate Boulevard, Portland, OR 97206 (503) 774-8819
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18