Tributes

Elnita Jones Smith, age 74, died Sunday, May 29, 2005 in Conway Medical Center because God needed a good cook.. The fifth child of twelve, she was born in Aynor, SC, a daughter of the late Jacob R. and Bessie J. Jones on October 18, 1932. She grew up in Aynor surrounded by a large and loving family. She attended Aynor High School and later after meeting her life long husband while working at the Conway Hospital she began her full time job, being a mother and grandmother. The quintessential mother and grandmother, her house was always clean, her fried chicken unsurpassed and her door and heart was always open to friends and strangers alike. Daily, she embraced the Golden Rule, honored God and cherished her family. She was happiest while serving others and while her compassion and maternal instinct were known and appreciated by her Church and community her greatest love was reserved for her family. They were the primary recipients of her love and her many talents. Mrs. Smith was a long time member of the Socastee United Methodist Church and Socastee United Methodist Women. Throughout her life she stood in the shadows so others could shine. She is shining now. Mrs. Smith was lovingly and Faithfully married to Franklin J. Smith for 54 years and is survived by him. She is also survived by her children, Brenda Bellamy and her husband, Ted of Myrtle Beach, Gwen Owens and her husband Kerry of Socastee, and Franklin J. Smith, Jr. and his wife Ree of Lexington, SC and six grandchildren, J.C. Bellamy, Stephanie Bellamy, Lauren Owens, Addison Owens, Taylor Smith, and Austin Smith. She is also survived by her sisters, Bethany James-Smith, Gertrude Shockley, Della Kirkland, Ruth Daniels, Yvonne Stokes and Nancy Casey; a sister in law, Ruby Lee Smith, and numerous nephews and nieces. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday from Socastee United Methodist Church with Rev. Ray Smith officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery directed by Goldfinch Funeral Home, Conway Chapel. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6:00 until 8:00 PM Monday. Memorials may be sent to Socastee United Methodist Church, 5575 Dick Pond Road, Myrtle Beach, SC 29588.