Catherine Smith

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Catherine Smith, who left this world peacefully on September 24, 2024, at the age of 95. Born in 1929 to Eddie and Maddie Bell Jeffries, Catherine lived a long and beautiful life, full of love, laughter, and cherished memories. She was predeceased by her parents, her siblings Gertrude Thomas, Maxine Blakely, James G. Lee, and Cornelius Jeffries, her beloved great-nephews Melvin and Byron Jeffries, and her devoted husband, Elmer Smith Jr., with whom she shared 47 wonderful years of marriage until his passing in 2006.

Catherine married the love of her life, Elmer, on May 9, 1959, and together they built a family rooted in love and faith. She is survived by her two children, Gina Marie Smith and Douglas Lamont Smith, who will forever hold her close in their hearts.

A woman of many passions, Catherine loved to read and found joy in the novels of Nora Roberts and Danielle Steel. She was an avid fan of romance and drama, losing herself in their stories and always eager for the next page. In addition to her love of books, she was a dedicated member of Christian Redemption Spiritual Church, where her faith and fellowship enriched her life.

She also had a deep love for her favorite television shows, including *CHiPs*, *Star Trek*, and her beloved soap operas. Catherine was an avid fan of the *Harry Potter* film series, a passion that she passed on to her family. One of their most vivid and cherished memories together was Catherine’s first and only flight to Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida, a trip filled with excitement and adventure, despite her calm demeanor vanishing as the plane took off.

Catherine was also a true dog lover, always surrounded by her faithful canine companions, who brought her immense joy and comfort throughout her life. She enjoyed walking the trails of Forest Park.

Catherine lived a full life, defined by her gentle spirit, her unwavering love for her family, and her deep connection to her faith and community. She will be dearly missed but forever remembered by those who knew and loved her.

Here is a poem that Catherine wanted to include as a message to her loved ones.

“My time has come and I must go To that place we talked about, you know Miss me some but let me be, For the delightful time you have spent with me. My time has come, my work is done He calls to me, the battle is won Questions you have, just feel free Check my pulse, "let me record speak for me." Unconditional love, and so my dears, To you happiness, peace, forget the tears Rejoice with me, I have a home Please, let me go my time has come.”

A Visitation for Catherine will be held Tuesday, October 1, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Alexander-White-Mullen Funeral Home, 11101 Saint Charles Rock Road, St. Ann, MO 63074.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Catherine's memory may be made to Stray Rescue of St. Louis.