Eleanor Grace Smith

Eleanor Grace Smith went home to be with her Lord on Saturday, December 3. She lived a long and full life, passing away just 25 days short of her 98th birthday. Eleanor was born in Brooklyn, NY on Dec. 28, 1918 to James and Mary Allan. She grew up in Hollis, in Queens County, NY, attending Public School #118 and graduating from Jamaica High School. After high school, she attended the Brooklyn Secretarial School for 2 years and then worked for two insurance companies in New York City before marrying John W. Smith in April of 1942. During World War II, she lived in numerous cities throughout the Southeast as John, an Aviation Ordinance Officer with the Army Air Corps, was transferred from base to base. In most of these new locales, Eleanor worked as a secretary either on the base or in private industry nearby. After WWII, Eleanor and John settled in Levittown, NY, where they lived for 38 years and raised two sons, Robert and Kevin. During this time, she spent many years working in John's insurance business. Throughout her life, Eleanor was deeply committed to her faith in Christ. She and John were active members of Wantagh Baptist Church on Long Island, where she taught Sunday School for 30 years, as well as helping in the Pioneer Girls program. Even after her retirement to Florida, she maintained close relationships with many of the girls to whom she had ministered. While living on Long Island she was a key member of the governing board of the Nassau County Christian Women's Club, serving twice as chairwoman. After moving to La Casa in North Port, Florida in 1986 she continued to be active by participating in the La Casa Bible Study group and Grandmother's Club and serving as secretary for the Yacht Club. She was also proud of serving for many years as a local poll worker. Eleanor enjoyed reading and working crossword puzzles, but also loved playing card games like Pinochle and "Hand and Foot". For many years she and John participated in bowling leagues, bike riding, camping, square dancing, and playing volleyball with friends during summer vacations. Before John's death in 1997, they traveled all over the United States, including her favorite trip to Alaska on their 50th wedding anniversary. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Wallace Smith. She is survived by her two sons, Robert Allan Smith (Josie) of Emerald Isle, North Carolina and Kevin William Smith (Miriam) of Florence, South Carolina; four grandchildren, Heather Smith Steinman (Russell), Travis Jon Smith, Shaun Kevin Smith (Stephanie) and Kristin Smith McMahan (Stephen); and 4 great- grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at Coastal Community Church of the Nazarene, 14600 Tamiami Trail S., North Port, Florida on Saturday, December 10th at 4 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Coastal Community Church of the Nazarene. Toale Brothers Funeral Homes, Ewing Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

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Eleanor Grace Smith

December 28, 1918 - December 3, 2016