Shirley Smith Hood, 86

Shirley Smith Hood, 86, of Lakeland, beloved wife, mother, sister-in-law, grandmother, and friend, passed into the loving arms of her Lord Jesus Christ on Saturday, April 13, 2024.

Shirley was born on December 6, 1937, in Orlando, Florida to the late Hilda Mae Burt and John O’Neal Smith. She grew up in an old downtown Orlando neighborhood with brick streets and Live Oak canopies, with most of her family vacations spent visiting relatives in Georgia. Shirley was a cheerleader for the Boone Braves when she met the love of her life, Charles Clifford Hood of Orlando, who was playing on the Apopka Blue Darter basketball team. Shirley attended the University of Florida and majored in Education. After dating for five years, Shirley and Cliff were married on December 30, 1957. Upon Cliff’s graduation from UF in June of 1958, the newlyweds moved to Sault Ste. Marie Michigan, where Cliff was stationed in the Air Force, and began their life together.

While living in Sault Ste. Marie, the young Hood family welcomed the addition of sons John Alton and Tracy Alan. Upon Cliff’s discharge from the Air Force in 1962, the family moved back to Florida, first to Deland, then to Lakeland. While raising her young and rambunctious boys, Shirley also finished her undergraduate Education degree through classes at USF, earning her teaching certificate in 1971.

Shirley lived 62 happy years in Lakeland, where she and Cliff made many lifelong friends. They were active members at Gibsonia Baptist Church, then First Baptist Church, teaching Sunday School classes, leading the young married groups, and serving in various other roles their church. Over the years, they joined groups to play Bridge, Bunco, Farkle and virtually anything that allowed talking and playing at the same time. The self-proclaimed “Dirty Dozen” was an especially close group of twelve couples, whose passions were food and fellowship, otherwise known as eating and talking! For many years, Shirley and Cliff were fortunate to spend their summers in Hayesville, where they attended McConnell Baptist Church in Hiawassee, GA and made many close friends.

Shirley was an only child in a huge family of aunts, uncles and cousins, and loved to confuse us all explaining how everyone was related. She had a wonderful sense of humor, and always found the best in everyone and everything. She thought first of others and never of herself—she was a true angel on earth. Shirley enjoyed spending quality time with her family and friends, and brought the joy of life to everyone around her. Most of all, she enjoyed being together with Cliff, her loving husband and soul mate, no matter what they were doing.

Shirley is survived by her son, Tracy (Barbara) Hood of Tampa, FL; and her granddaughters Katie and Ellie. She was predeceased by her husband, Charles Clifford Hood and her son, John Hood.

A private family interment is planned. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Shirley’s memory to McConnell Baptist Church, PO Box 235, Hiawassee, GA .

Condolences may be sent to the family at Gentry Morrison Funeral Home.