Martha Annette Smith

Annette Smith, affectionately known to many as “Sweetie,” is enjoying eternal rest as of May 12, 2023 after living 101 years on Earth. Born January 1, 1922, she was proudly the first baby of the year in Huntington, West Virginia. She later lived in Georgia until her father, the Reverend Victor Persons, along with her mother Audrea, answered a call to serve in the Toledo area. Annette attended Libbey High School, University of Toledo and Bowling Green State University. She later met fellow Cowboy Lester Smith and they married in July of 1942. This union produced two children: Michele (Shelley) and Richard (Dick). Although briefly working for Lamsen’s Maumee store and doing some clerical work for her husband’s business, Annette relished the role of homemaker and was known to gather her beloved south end friends for weekly bridge games. A voracious reader, she would often read several books a week. Heavily influenced by her “daddy”, Annette became a faithful Christ follower. Through calligraphy, she would often share her love of a particular verse with the people most important to her. She deepened these ties by being an active member of Westminster Presbyterian, (later Glendale Presbyterian), articulately leading meetings and prayer groups. She was also honored with a 50-year recognition by PEO, Chapter T in 2015. After living on her own until 99, she spent the last two years in the south end (of course!) at the Aviva Glendale Assisted Living facility where she was adored by residents and staff alike. The workers soon realized that pint-sized “Sweetie” could sometimes be Salty, with her sharp wit and intact humor! She was known for constantly walking around the facility, staying up for hours in the middle of the night, needing her pants rolled up just right, and her shoes secured just perfectly, but these quirks only endeared her to them more. She is preceded in death by her husband Les, sister Margaret, and daughter Shelley Jackson and her husband Dick. She is survived by her only granddaughter, Meghan Nagy (Jason) and great-grandsons Evan and Zach and her son Dick Smith. The Bassett, Hilfinger, Elwell and Thomas Schlageter families mourn deeply too, but celebrate her life well-lived. Visitation will be Thursday May 18, 2023 at 10:00 am with a service to follow at 11:00 at the Coyle Funeral Home on Reynolds Road. Interment will follow at Ottawa Hills Memorial Park. As captured in a video commemorating her 100th birthday, Annette attributed her longevity to “staying active, having a relationship with Jesus, and being honest and forthright,” (in addition to cheap vodka and Loma Linda margaritas!). One never left her presence without an open invitation to “stop by and see me sometime.” If an elderly person ever says this to you, you should make a point to go see them. Sweetie’s granddaughter and family, along with her guardian and friend Sara Jackson, would like to extend love and gratitude to everyone at Aviva Glendale as well as the phenomenal staff at Elara Caring Hospice, under whose care Sweetie was for the last two years. Special thanks to Coyle for helping with arrangements. Those wishing to honor Annette’s memory may consider Elara Caring Hospice Foundation, PO Box 58, Jackson, MI 49204 or donate some time, talent or treasure to Aviva Glendale, 5020 Ryan Rd Toledo, OH 43614.

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Martha Annette Smith

January 1, 1922 - May 12, 2023