Blanche Bernice Lovett Smiddy, 94, of Palm Harbor, Florida, passed away peacefully in her sleep at Morton Plant Hospital on Friday, October 4, 2019. She was born on January 11, 1925, in Jellico, Tennessee, the daughter of Albert Lovett and Clara Carroll Lovett Perkins.
Blanche was first and foremost the wife of a Baptist Minister and mother. She loved her family, both near and far. She worked as a church secretary and also enjoyed working with children at the church’s Day Care. Born and raised in Jellico, Tennessee, she also lived in Kentucky, Missouri, Georgia and Richmond, Virginia for twenty-eight years. She moved permanently to Florida in 2002.
She loved music and she sang in church choirs for many years. She also loved playing the piano and organ. A highlight was playing in duets with her husband who played the trumpet. She enjoyed crossword and jigsaw puzzles and playing Chinese checkers.
Her family and friends will always remember her as a women who deeply loved the Lord and she adored her family. She loved to spend time with people and especially children. No one was ever a stranger, she loved people. Most recently, she attended a Women’s Bible Study at North Dunedin Baptist Church and Palm Harbor United Methodist Church.
She was preceded in death her beloved grandmother, Ellen Gibson Carroll; parents, Albert Lovett and Clara Perkins; her husband, Robert Leslie Smiddy; and brother, Reed Lovett. She is survived by her daughter, Leslie Carol Smiddy; sons Robert L. and Thomas M. Smiddy (Sherri); grandson, Andrew Robert Smiddy; many nieces and nephews; and countless friends.
On Thursday, October 10, 2019, a Funeral Service will be held at Heritage United Methodist Church, 2680 Landmark Drive, Clearwater, Florida 33761. A Public Visitation will commence at 10:00AM and the Funeral Service will follow at 11:00AM. Following will be a 2:00PM Committal Service, she will be reunited with her husband when she is interred at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Avenue, Bushnell, Florida 33513.
Flowers may be sent to Heritage United Methodist Church or a Donation may be made in the Memory of Blanche L. Smiddy to: Curlew Care of Clearwater (to whom the family is very grateful for the loving care she received at the Assisted Living Facility) at 2730 Curlew Road, Clearwater, FL 33761 or First Baptist Church of Jellico, 549 South, Jellico, Tennessee 37762.
Blanche was one of my oldest and dearest friends–by oldest I mean when we were young women–she and are her husband ,Bob and my dear husband spent many happy times together when we were young marrieds.I suppose Blanche, Bob and W.D. are rejoicing together in Heaven and remembering those good times. I look forward to the day when I will join them.My sympathy to her children Janette
As the mother of my dear friend Carol, Blanche was always Mrs. Smiddy to me. Carol and I were young working women in No. Virginia, and Carol would take me with her to visit her parents in Richmond. I remember Mrs. Smiddy as a gentle and loving wife and mother. She treated me as if just being a friend of Carol’s qualified me as a member of the family. Although I had not seen her for many years, I have warm and happy memories of Mrs. Smiddy. My deepest sympathies to Carol, Bob, and Tom. Kim Jensen
Dear Carol,Bob and Tom,
Your mother, Blanche, was my dear friend for more than 35 years.
I met her at Bon Air Baptist Church.
I was looking for an adult babysitter for my 3 children while I attended night school.
The church staff referred her to me as a possibility.
She graciously accepted the job much to my relief!
My children loved her very much.
She was kind to them even though I’m sure she had some challenging moments.
We remained fast friends long after babysitter services concluded.
We were like sisters even though I was more than 15 years younger.
I thought of Blanche as my big sister! She was such a comfort to me.
Your Mom was sweet, kind and of a gentle nature.
Please know that your Mom left a
loving impression wherever she went and whoever she met.
Peace and love to each of you!
Jeanne Wendt