Mrs. Ottie Lou Maine Smith, age 77 of Douglas, passed away Sunday, March 14, 2021 at her home following an extended illness.
A native of Atkinson County, Mrs. Smith was born September 25, 1943, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Q.B. and Ozelle Davis Maine. After graduating from Atkinson County High School, she attended Waycross Area Vocational School to receive her LPN license and worked as a Hospice Nurse. Mrs. Smith also went to Fayetteville Jr. College in North Carolina where she obtained her AA Degree in Funeral Science to become the first female funeral director ever elected to the North Carolina State Board of Mortuary Science, in 1983. Not only did she enjoy her careers but continued to excel in them until declining health caused her to retire. Mrs. Smith also enjoyed many hobbies such as, arts, crafts, cross stitching, and cooking. She was of the Pentecostal faith. Mrs. Smith was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Meghan Leah Merritt and a sister, Charlene Maine.
Survivors include:
Daughter: Jaci O. McKinnon of Douglas, Ga.
Brothers: Joe Maine and wife, Lynda of Adel, Ga.
James “Pete” Maine and wife, Kathy of Georgetown, Ga.
Sister: Sue Luke of Nashville, Ga.
Grandsons: Dustin Merritt of Douglas, Ga.
Trevor Maine McKinnon of Douglas, Ga.
Great-Grandchildren: Lydia Rachel Merritt
Coleman McKinnon
Several other relatives also survive.
Graveside funeral services for Mrs. Smith were held Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at the Willacoochee City Cemetery with Rev. Elaine Keene and Elder Walt DeLoach officiating. Special musical selections included “Amazing Grace”, with Evan Brown leading the congregation and “If We Ever Meet Again” rendered by soloist, Evan Brown. The interment followed in Willacoochee City Cemetery in Willacoochee.
Relihan Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.