Olvena Bell Smith

December 10, 2012

Olvena Bell Smith, 96, of Canoe, died December 5, 2012, in Atmore.

She was born in Stanley Crossroads in Escambia County (AL) on March 9, 1916, to Guss Monroe and Itilie Burns Bell.

She was a poll worker in Canoe for more than 50 years, and she was recognized on BBC America television news for this long record. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Canoe. In her earlier years, she was active in community work, including serving as an officer of the Canoe Civic Club and the Homemakers Club in Canoe, as well as statewide. She was a member of the Canoe Study Club. She is preceded in death by her husband King James Smith.

She is survived by her children, Max (Marie) Smith of Hurtsboro, AL, Sylvia Hart of Daphne, and J. Mike (Janice) Smith of Canoe; grandchildren, Anita Marie (Paul) Hitchcock; Brian (Rita) Smith; and Ben M. (Becca) Smith and six great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Saturday, December 8, 2012, at the Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Jesse Wood and the Rev. John Stacey officiating. Burial will follow in Sardis Baptist Church Cemetery in Wawbeek.

Pallbearers will be family members Brian Smith, Ben Smith, Paul Hitchcock, Ron Bell, Clyde Helton and James Bell.

Flowers will be accepted, or donations can be made to the First Baptist Church of Canoe.

Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Obituaries