Gracie Jean Smith, age 69, of LaBelle, MO, passed away Monday, July 9, 2012, in the Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL. She was born March 25, 1943, in Lewistown, MO, the daughter of Harold and Floretta Tate Clay.
She was united in marriage to Harry Smith Jr. on June 29, 1952, and he preceded her in death on February 26, 1991. Gracie was also preceded in death by her father, a sister Lori Ann Clay, a daughter Rose Smith, a son Freddrick, Jr. Smith and a great-grandson Da`dn Smith.
Surviving are her mother Floretta Clay of Canton, MO, children Karen Bardwell and Lenny Clay of LaBelle, MO, Gary and Lana Smith of Keokuk, IA, Evon Smith of Springfield, IL, Gerald and Tresh Smith of LaBelle, MO, Sharron and Fred Hinton of Quincy, IL, Craig and Miranda Smith of Keokuk, IA, Sarah and Terry Copling of LaBelle, MO, Tiffany Smith of Davenport, IA, Heather and Josh Kelley of Quincy, IL, five brothers, Harold Clay, Jr., Virgil Clay, David Wayne Clay, Larry Clay, Wilbert Clay, five sisters, Elaine Clay, Kay Clay, Sue Sharp, Ella Clay and Charlene Colman forty-six grandchildren, forty eight great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and cousins. Gracie received her education at Lincoln School. She was a housewife and homemaker and helped raise nine of her grandchildren. She loved purses, shopping and spending time with her children and grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Thursday, July 12, 2012, at the Coder Funeral Chapel in LaBelle, MO. Burial will be in the LaBelle Cemetery.
Casket bearers will be Gerald Smith, Junnie Smith, Chaz Boatman, Marty Smith, Gary Smith and Garin Smith. Honorary bearers will be Craig Smith, R.J. Scull, Wilbert Clay, and Lindsey McDowell.
Visitation will be held Thursday, July 12, 2012, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at the Coder Funeral Chapel in LaBelle, MO.
Memorials may be made to the Gracie Jean Smith Memorial Fund and may be left at or mailed to coder Funeral Chapel, P.O. Box 151, LaBelle, MO 63447.