Helen Maxine Smith

IN MEMORY OF: Helen Maxine Smith Serving Location: CRAIN FUNERAL HOME – EGYPTIAN MEMORIAL GARDENS 3208 South Park Avenue, Energy, Illinois Helen Maxine Smith, 90, passed away on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at Parkway Manor Nursing Home in Marion, IL with her daughter, Tara, by her side. Maxine was born August 10, 1932 in Marion to Edward Charles and Emma (Shelford) Gulley. She married Kenneth Lowell Smith on June 21, 1952 at Lone Oak Baptist Church in Energy, IL. Together they shared 40 years of marriage until his passing on December 3, 1992. She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Mark (Gail Petreikis) Smith of Johnston City, Brad (Tracy) Smith of Herrin, Eric (Kristin) Smith of Creal Springs, Leslie Smith of Carterville; daughter and son-in-law, Tara (Bob) Deaton of Herrin; grandchildren, Ross Smith of Johnston City, Stefanie Smith of Herrin, Keegan Smith of Energy, Casey Smith and her partner (Rob Greeley) of Cleburne Texas, Nathan (Megan) Smith of Westminster, Colorado, Matt (Sadee) Smith of Del Rio, Texas, Alayna (Jabari) Simon of Carbondale, Lynon, Halah, Skylyn and Giah Smith of Carterville; great grandchildren, Ethan Adams of Herrin, Kamdan and Kambria Smith of Westminister, Colorado and Arya Greeley of Cleburne, Texas and Asher and Carter Smith of Del Rio, Texas; sister, Dorothy Wade, of Winter Haven, FL and several nieces and nephews. Maxine was preceded in death by her parents and husband; brothers, Toler Gulley and James Edward Gulley; and sisters, Mary Fergus, Irene Dralle, Eileen White, Marie Elliott, Shirley Ferrari and Juanita Rankin; son, Chad Smith, and granddaughter, Erica Layne Smith. Maxine worked at Smolers in Herrin and at the same time attended evening classes at Southern Illinois University while raising four of her children. Upon graduating from Southern Illinois University with a bachelor's degree in science she initially taught at West Side Grade School in Herrin and then taught art and science at Energy Grade School/Junior High in Energy, IL. Following her retirement from teaching she worked as a real estate agent at Pisoni Realty until her final retirement at age 83. She was a talented artist and a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She devoted her life to her family. She was a member of the Herrin First Christian Church. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude's or to a charity of the donor's choice. A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date. Cremation rites will be accorded. Arrangements have been entrusted to Crain Funeral Home-Egyptian Chapel.

Helen Maxine Smith

November 26, 1942 - March 5, 2023