Maggie D Smith, daughter of James Virgil and Edna (Beasley) Brannam, was born July 26, 1940, at Bean Creek, MO. On March 3, 2022, at the age of 81, Jesus called her home.
She was united in marriage to Earl Lee Smith on January 2, 1959, and to this union three children were born: Brenda (Smith) Barton, James Smith, and Earl Ray Smith. They celebrated 61 years of life together; sharing love of gardening, canning, church, and family.
Being a woodcutter’s daughter, she spent most days outside and could identify most trees and wild plants. Her love of the outdoors overflowed into her gardens, her flower beds, and her rabbits!
Maggie attended school thru the eighth grade at Brown Hill. She then worked at International Shoe company in Houston, MO. She also worked several years at Brown Shoe Company in both Cabool and Houston. After the Houston plant closed, she started her career as a Food Service Worker at Houston House. It was at Houston House that she found her true calling, caring for the residents. She made many memories with residents and co-workers alike. Maggie moved into Houston House in November 2020 after a fall at home. She enjoyed the crafts, Bingo, and dominos, and made new memories with employees, residents, and developed a close friendship with roommate Kay.
Maggie became a Christ-Follower at an early age, attending Brown Hill Baptist Church in its early days. After marrying Earl, they served at Brown Hill Baptist Church, Ozark Baptist Church, and most recently New Beginnings Baptist Church. She and Earl especially loved the church socials, many times bringing her famous “deviled eggs,” pickled okra, or garden goodies.
Preceding her in death were her husband, Earl (Smitty), her parents, Virgil & Edna Brannam. Maggie is survived by daughter, Brenda (Scott) Barton of Houston, sons, James Smith of Houston, and Earl Ray (Lisa) Smith of Houston. Also surviving are sister: Marie Stark of Houston; brother, Jim (Joan) Brannam of Success, MO; sisters-in law, Edna Roberts of Solo; Fern Burch of Grandview, MO, and, especially close family friends, Bill & Edna Beasley of Houston, and many nieces and nephews.
Maggie enjoyed family and church get togethers and was always excited to hear stories and see pictures of the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Continuing her legacy are eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Grandchildren are Jennifer (Barton) & Tim Martin of Bolivar, MO, Sarah (Barton) & Trevor Sudheimer of Houston, MO, Jamie Barton of Springfield, MO, and Bailey (Barton) & Adrian Vivero of Springfield, MO, Lance Smith and Ebin Smith, and mother, Erin Smith of Houston, MO, Raymond Smith of Seattle, WA, and Mikayla (Smith) & Fred Robinson of Ft Sill, OK. Great grandchildren are Penny, Abby, and Hank Martin, Amelia Vivero, and Jayden Robinson.
Although Maggie loved her family greatly, she has missed Earl so much since his passing. On Thursday, March 3, 2022, she went home to see “Her Man”!
