Ms. Evelyn Geraldine "Gerri" Smith, born December 18, 1942, to Alva C. Smith and Stella S.E. (Cooper) Smith, passed from this life to glory on June 21, 2021 at the age of 78 years, 6 months and 3 days.

Ms. Geri, as everyone referred to her, ended her earthly journey as family sat at bedside and friends and neighbors of Stockhoff Memorial Nursing Home in Fredericktown, Mo.., where she called home for the last 11 years were saddened by her passing. As those who have known Ms. Geri are sad for our loss, we rejoice for her arrival in glory, no more pain, no more strife. Ms. Geri was loved by everyone who ever met her. She was known for her smile and pleasant disposition.

Ms. Geri has been known to have been quite crafty in her earlier years. She once enjoyed painting, cross stitching, latch hook and teaching her nieces and nephews how to stay in the lines and color beautifully. In her much less younger years she enjoyed participating in crafts and activities offered in her home. One of her favorite was playing bingo where her jackpot was a stuffed animal. She loved to collect stuffed animals, beds full of them. They brought her joy!

Ms. Geri loved attending church services every opportunity she had. The families heartfelt appreciation goes to the family of Cornerstone Tabernacle  for providing transportation to and from services for many years. Thank you for your kindness to our Geri.

Ms. Geri and the family are thankful to all staff of Stockhoff Nursing Home for the care anf love the provided over the years. The family were often told by staff "Geri is one of our favorite."  This would ignite a spark in our heart, but deep down we knew the staff had many favorites to whom they loved dearly.

Ms. Geri was one of the most meek and mild people anyone will ever meet. The Bible says in I Peter 3:3-4:

"Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel: But let it be the hidden man of the heart in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price." Meekness is quality that a person displays towards others including being quiet, gentle, righteous and obedient. These were the qualities of our Geri. She was a treasure of gold sent to us from heaven for a little while, sent to us for an example to model ourselves after. Such a blessing we have had and often we have failed to recognize that blessing.

Ms. Geri was preceded in death by her parents, a sister Patricia D. (Floyd) Tinsley, a nephew Kirby W. (Helen) Shelly and a nephews Adam H. Allgier.

Ms. Geri is survived by a sister Mary E. (Larry) Shelley of Farmington, Missouri, a brother Donald C. (Cheryll) Smith of Yakima, Washington and many nieces and nephews ( many great nieces and nephews as well) who will miss her smile and her infectious belly rolling laugh