Lucy Nell Smith

Mrs. Lucy Nell Cunningham Smith, age 97, of Tennille died at home on September 2, 2021 after a brief battle with cancer. A graveside service to celebrate her life will be held on Saturday, September 11, 2021, at 4:00 p.m. in Zeta Cemetery in Tennille. Reverend Danita Knowles will officiate. Pallbearers will be Edd Cunningham, Ben Ouzts, Allen Smith, Burton Smith, Charles Smith, Cliff Sheppard, Benjie Tarbutton, Billy McMaster, and Hill Thomas. The family asks that all who attend wear face masks and practice social distancing.

Mrs. Smith was born March 25, 1924 in Oglethorpe County, Georgia to the late Margaret Carolyn Green and the late George Washington Cunningham. She grew up in Lexington, Georgia surrounded by a large family that included many female cousins. Lucy Nell graduated from high school at Meson Academy in 1941. She received her bachelor’s degree from Georgia State College for Women (GSCW) in 1944 and later returned there to earn a master’s degree in History. After graduation, Lucy Nell moved to Dalton, Georgia where she taught school for one year. She then moved to Tennille and taught History at Tennille High School. Once in Tennille, she met John Holder Smith, and they were married on July 31, 1946. She taught in Tennille until the formation of Washington County High School (WACO), where she taught History and Government and was chosen as a Star Teacher. Lucy Nell began her career at Brentwood School when it was located in Davisboro. She later became head mistress of Brentwood School, serving in this position until retirement in 1995. She returned to Brentwood School the following year to teach her favorite subject, U.S. History.

In 1995, the Georgia Independent School Association recognized her for “Outstanding Service to Education.” That same year, she was named “Washington County Citizen of the Year,” by the Sandersville Rotary Club. In 1996, she received the Brentwood School Faculty Award. Lucy Nell dedicated her life to the education of children and was greatly rewarded for her efforts.

In addition to her involvement in education, Lucy Nell was also active in her community. She was a member of the Washington County Historical Society, a member and Past President of the Fine Arts Club of Tennille, and a former member of the Zeta Cemetery Trust. She was a member of Tennille United Methodist Church since 1949, where she served in many capacities, including: Sunday School teacher, Bread of Life contributor, Church Council member, trustee, and Chairwoman of the C.V. Ouzts Foundation.

In addition to her parents, Lucy Nell is preceded in death by her husband, John Holder Smith, Sr.; her son, William Holder Smith; and her brothers, Harry Edward Cunningham, and George Washington Cunningham, Jr.

Survivors include her daughter, Margaret Smith Alexander, and her husband Christopher of Tennille; her son John Holder Smith, Jr., and his wife Amy of Valdosta; her beloved grandchildren, Margaret Erin Alexander of Atlanta, William Christopher Alexander, and his wife Amy of Smyrna, and Margaret Ellison Smith of Valdosta; and her beloved great grandchildren, Avery Christine Alexander, Christopher Smith Alexander, and Morgan Elizabeth Alexander.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Brentwood School, P.O. Box 955, Sandersville, Georgia 31082; Tennille United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 265, Tennille, Georgia 31089; or the Zeta Cemetery Trust, P.O. Box 1, Tennille, Georgia 31089.

Condolences can be made online at www.mayandsmithfuneraldirectors.com

May and Smith Funeral Directors is in charge of these arrangements.