Meredith "Billie" Turner Smith

Meredith "Billie" Turner Smith is at peace and rejoicing with her Lord and Savior as of July 25, 2014. Billie was born in LaGrange, Georgia on February 23, 1917 to William H. Turner, Jr. and Hazel Vorus Turner. She is predeceased by her two sisters, Hazel Turner Kump and Martha Turner Smith.

As a young girl, she excelled academically and graduated from LaGrange High School at the age of sixteen. She then attended Agnes Scott Women's College on a full academic scholarship. A member of Phi Mu Sorority, Billie graduated from the University of Georgia as an English Major with a Master's Degree in Education. She was an avid supporter and enthusiast of UGA sports and academics, remaining true to her Alma Mater. While attending college, Billie met her husband, the late Henry Carson Smith, Jr. They raised three children together and lived in Atlanta and Buford, Georgia over the course of their marriage. She taught school at Buford Elementary for nine years and instilled her lifelong love of learning in her children and grandchildren. As a prominent member of her community, Billie served as President of the Stonehedge Garden Club and member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was a dedicated member of Northside United Methodist Church, witnessing to many her passion of living and learning through scripture. One of a lost generation and true Southern Lady, she held dear the ideas of tradition, family, love and religion. All those who knew her will miss her passion, loving kindness, and quick wit.

Billie is survived by her three children: Henry Carson Smith, III (Michael); Meredith Smith Nicholson (Norman); and Sterling Smith McLaughlin; 8 grandchildren: Tracey Vansant Krawford (Scott); Meredith Vansant Desrosiers (Tim); Henry Carson Smith, IV (Amy); Sterling Nicholson Ivey (Chip); Leslie Nicholson Mitchell (Steve); Walter Harrison Smith (Amanda); Margaret Blaylock Murphy (Patrick); and Samuel Turner McLaughlin; 18 great-grandchildren: Taylor Vansant; Riley and Reese Krawford; Emmie and Addie Desrosiers; Avery, Anna Cate, and Lily Smith; Patrick, Ansley, and Katherine Ivey; Walt, Skylar, Macalister, Sadie, and Samuel Smith; Patrick Murphy; Mac Mitchell; nephews and nieces, extended family, and friends.

A Celebration in Life Memorial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 30, 2014 at Northside United Methodist Church with a reception to follow. Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Flanigan Funeral Home in Buford, Georgia. Graveside service will be held at 4:00 p.m. at Broadlawn Memorial Gardens in Buford, GA with Rev. Dr. Sondra R. Jones and Rev. Hazel Glover officiating. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Northside United Methodist Church, 2799 Northside Drive, N.W., Atlanta, GA 30327 or to Buford First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 329, Buford, GA 30515 in memory of Meredith Turner Smith.

To express condolences, please sign our online guest book at www.flaniganfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by: Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA, 770-932-1133.