THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, November 24, 1994 TAG: 9411240552
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B14 EDITION: FINAL
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Short : 36 lines
Thelma Lee Head Smithwick died Tuesday, Nov. 22, 1994, in a local hospital in the 97th year of her age.
Born in Statesville, N.C., she was the daughter of the late Robert L. Head and Effie Cheshire Head. She spent most of her life in Norfolk and attended Maury High School. She was the widow of Bruce L. Smithwick.
For 50 years she was a member of Park Place United Methodist Church, its Laura Fenn Bible Class and The United Methodist Women's Missionary Society. She was a charter member of the Sunshine Circle of the Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters and the Colonial Place Garden Club.
She is survived by her children, Margaret S. Clay of Norfolk, Robert B. Smithwick of Virginia Beach and Bette S. Ballance of Norfolk; as well as her grandchildren, Susan B. Shaw, Dori S. Hammel, Mark L. Ballance, Paul L. Ballance, Diane C. White, David B. Smithwick, Rob B. Smithwick and Amy L. Smithwick. She had 12 great-grandchildren; eight nephews and three nieces.
She will be remembered for her strong faith, her joy in living, her warmth and grace, and her love for her family, church and many friends. Hers was an indomitable spirit, quick to find beauty in everything and everybody.
The family will gather Friday evening from 7 to 8 p.m. at Cox Funeral Home on Westover Ave. in Norfolk. Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, Nov. 26, 1994, at 11 a.m. in Park Place United Methodist Church, 34th and Colonial Ave. in Norfolk by Dr. Charles H. Smith and the Rev. Francis Collins. Memorial donations may be made to Park Place United Methodist Church or to the Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters.
KEYWORDS: DEATH OBITUARY by CNB