Etta Roberta Smith

Etta “Roberta” Smith, 95, of Palatka, FL, widow of Ervin “Rudy” Smith (and previous widow of James O. Burger), passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 28, 2015 at Kiva Assisted Living in Palatka, FL. Family and friends are invited to attend her visitation on Friday, June 5, 2015 from 5 to 7 p.m. at James A. Dyal Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, June 6, 2015 at 11 a.m. at James A. Dyal Funeral Home Chapel, with Bro. Ricky Bybee of Cross Roads Community Church of East Palatka, Fl. presiding. Burial will follow at Summerville Cemetery, 700 Boone Hill Road, Summerville. Flowers will be accepted at the funeral home. Mrs. Smith was born January 6, 1920 in Atlanta, Ga, daughter of the late Walter Luther Goodrich and Ruby Lee Bailey Goodrich. She was a former resident of Summerville, S.C. until 1979, and then moved to Felton, Ga. thru ‘82, then Palatka, Fl. thru ’85, then returning to Felton, Ga. thru ’96, where after the passing of her husband Rudy, she moved to Hardeeville, S.C. to live with her daughter (Phyllis) and son-in-law (Rick Lynes). This kept her close to her granddaughter (Tracy) and grandson (Willie) along with her great grandchildren which she spent lots of time with, while frequently commuting back and forth to Palatka Fl. In 2013, she moved to Palatka Fl. to be with her grandson (Malcolm) and enjoying time with her family and great grand-children. She retired as secretary for E.L. Long Motor Lines and Infinger. She was proud of helping support her country and servicemen by working in the sheet metal shop at the Charleston Naval Shipyard during WWII. She was a lifelong Christian and knew God as her lord and savior. She was frequently known to ask others “Do you know God” and “If you die today, do you know where you will be” Her legacy is best described as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and supporting friend to all. She enjoyed life to its fullest while having good health and a large loving family who seen her as the family matriarch. Her later years were all dedicated to family. She spent time with each of the grandchildren for weeks or months at a time. She would surprise the grandchildren and great-grandchildren by picking them up at school for lunch breaks or birthday occasions. She was the family sitter while caring for all during sick days from school or vacation get-aways. She enjoyed making meals at each family’s home she visited and was best known and praised for her home-made biscuits that everyone wanted her to make. She operated her automobile through the tender age of 87, and after that, made the train or family members her mode of transportation. She was preceded in death by her first husband, James Otho Burger and her son from her second marriage, Ervin “Michael” Smith. Survivors include her daughter, Phyllis (Rick) Lynes of East Palatka, Fl. Grandchildren Willie (Tammy) Fabre of Hardeeville, SC, Sandy Lynes-Murrow, Malcolm Fabre of East Palatka, Fl., Chrissy Lynes, Tracy Fabre (David) Kelly of Rincon Ga. Great grandchildren Jamie Fabre, Jessica Zegarelli, Jess Fabre, Alissa Kelly, Malcolm Fabre Jr, Hunter Kelly, Harmony Kelly, Riley Merree (Fabre), and Dawson Kelly. She also had 2 great-great grandchildren Zoey Michelle & Emma Kate Zegarelli. The family would like to give its most heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Kiva Assisted Living (the entire wonderful staff) in Palatka, Fl, for the relentless care and support they gave, Hospice of Citrus and the Nature Coast (Stacy and Trista) for their help, guidance and care leading up to her going home. A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.jamesadyal.com. ARRANGEMENTS BY JAMES A. DYAL FUNERAL HOME, 303 S. MAIN STREET, SUMMERVILLE, SC 29483 (843) 873-4040

Etta Roberta Smith

January 6, 1920 - May 28, 2015