Lucy Irene Smith, 65

Lucy Irene Smith, 65, died September 3, 2021. Irene was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on May 7, 1956, to the late Franklin Bird Smith and Frances Hazel Thurgood.

Irene was an accomplished quilt maker and an award-winning baker. She was the first in her family to attend college, earning her Associate Degree from the University of Utah where she met her husband David by holding his notes for a class as ransom for a date. Irene was a professional secretary, fluent in shorthand, superbly organized, and could type faster than an electric typewriter could process. As a life-long member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Irene continued her pioneer heritage with honor, diligently serving the Lord in many capacities throughout her life. Her callings in the church included Sunday School and Primary teacher, Relief Society and Primary President as well as an ordinance worker in the Memphis, TN Temple.

Her dedication to service was highlighted by her call to serve as a Public Affairs Missionary for 19 months with David in the Thailand, Bangkok Mission of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Irene is survived by her husband of 45 years, David Cody Smith; children Peter Cody (Elizabeth), Emily Irene Nuckolls, Natalie Diane Schwartz (Christopher); siblings Londa Smith, Holly Jane Lorenzo, and Ellen Smith; 9 grandchildren: Melissa, Logan, Sarah, Henry, Cody, Allison, Charlie, Molly, Clark, and 1 great grandchild: Magdalena.

Visitation will be Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Gentry-Morrison Southside Chapel, 1727 Bartow Road, Lakeland, FL 33801. Funeral services will be conducted Friday, Sept. 10, 2021 at 11 a.m., with a short viewing at 10 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 5850 Lakeland Highlands Road, Lakeland, FL, followed by interment at Oak Hill Burial Park. Condolences may be sent to the family at Gentry-Morrison Funeral Homes.