Illinois Great Rivers Conference 2025 Journal-Yearbook
Ida Elaine E. Smith 1940-2024
The Rev. Ida Elaine E. Smith, 84, formerly of Edwardsville, a retired IGRC clergy member and widow of the Rev. Robert R. Smith, died Nov. 28, 2024 in Chesterfield, Mo. Elaine was born in Marion, on May 27, 1940, the daughter of the late David W. and Beaulah (Thacker) Elliott. She married Dr. Robert R. Smith on July 14, 1958, and was happily married for 62 years until
Robert preceded Elaine in death on Jan. 24, 2021. In addition to being a pastor’s wife, Elaine answered a call to ministry in 1996, becoming a probationary member in 1997 and ordained an elder in 2000. During her 10 years of active ministry, she served the following pastorates: Hartford-South Roxana, Centralia: First-Irvington and Edwardsville: Immanuel. Prior to entering the ministry, she was a grades school teacher in Millstadt and a remedial reading teacher in Carbondale. Elaine is survived by two sons, Gary Smith of Evendale, Ohio and Larry (Carol) Smith of St. Charles, Mo.; a daughter, Elise (Patrick) Rebmann of Columbia, Mo.; four grandchil- dren, Laura (Jay) Verstreater, Fenton, Mo., Steven (Melissa) Smith, Seattle, Wash., Severine Rebmann, Chicago and Atticus Rebmann, of Columbia, Mo.; three great grandchildren, Audrey, Raya, and Aliyah Verstreater; and two sisters, Geraldine McClary of Lakeland, Fla. and Susie Haralson, of Orlando, Fla.
Laura Jo Smith 1938-2024 Laura Jo Smith, 85, of Jackson, Mo., a retired diaconal minister, died June 30, 2024 at her home. Laura Jo was born Dec. 18, 1938 in Jackson, Mo., a daughter of George Henry and Nellie Marie (Schreiner) Smith. She graduated from Southeast Missouri State College in 1974 with a bachelor’s degree and began her ministry at New McKendree UMC
in Jackson, Mo. She earned an associate degree in Christian Education in 1975. In 1977, Laura Jo was consecrated as a diaconal minister by the former Missouri East Conference of The United Methodist Church. In 1986, she transferred to the former Southern Illinois Conference. She served United Methodist churches in Jackson, Charleston, and South St. Louis, all in Missouri; and at Belleville: Signal Hill UMC, from where she retired in 2003 after 17 years of service to the congregation. At every church she served, she left her love with the children and youth. Her life’s calling was to minister to, care for, and teach the youth in whatever capacity she could. She loved living a lifetime of service for others. In retirement, she returned to Jackson, Mo., as a member of New McKendree UMC and its Mary -Martha Women’s Circle. Survivors include a sister, Kim Martin of Jackson, Mo.; a brother, Mark (Linda) Smith of St. Louis, Mo.; 40 nieces and nephews. Laura Jo wished to have no formal funeral services. A celebration of life for family and friends was held at a later date.
Memoirs 271
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