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Georgia Rachel Watson Smith, of Starkville, Mississippi, went peacefully home to be with the Lord on April 3, 2024, at the age of 95. She was born on March 23, 1929, in Guntown, Lee County, Mississippi.
Rachel was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 70 years, Andrew Lee Smith, and is survived by their daughter, Carol Lee Monroe (Bill), and their three sons: Andrew Thomas Smith (Tami), Timothy James Smith (Rhonda), and Ted Watson Smith. Her legacy also lives on through her five grandchildren: Amy and Jason Monroe, Renee Wade (Tyler), David Lee Smith (Marisa Bruner), and Brian Smith, as well as her three great-grandchildren: Matthew and Seth O’hora, and Risa Lee Smith.
Rachel was born in Guntown, Lee County, Mississippi and moved to Mantee, in Webster County where she graduated from Cumberland High School. In 1947, she married Lee. While Lee pursued his civil engineering degree at Mississippi State University, they made their home in Starkville.
They moved to New Orleans, Louisiana, where Lee worked at Chevron as an engineer for 38 years. Following Hurricane Katrina, Rachel and Lee returned to Starkville.
Rachel was an accomplished seamstress and artist and filled her home with many beautiful oil paintings. Her creativity extended beyond her own walls, as she lovingly crafted afghans, quilts, and blankets for family and friends. She made and sold 168 baby afghans and lap quilts, with the proceeds to benefit needy families during the Christmas season.
Rachel and Lee’s commitment to serving others extended to their church, where they generously supported various programs and welcomed summer missionaries into their home.
Funeral services will be on April 10th at Welch Funeral Home in Starkville, with visitation beginning at 10:00 am followed by a service at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that contributions be made to the Old Cumberland Cemetery Fund, c/o Sue Cooper, 918 Old Cumberland Rd., Maben, Mississippi 39750, in memory of Rachel Smith’s enduring legacy of compassion and service.
