Barbara Elizabeth Ponder Smith died Thursday, May 18, 2017 at the age of 99 years.  Mrs. Smith was born in Rhine, Georgia on November 13, 1917.  She graduated from Weslyan College in 1938.  On January 21, 1941 she married Dr. Frederick Augustus Smith of McRae, Georgia, who preceded her in death.  Mrs. Smith was a member of the McRae United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School for many years.  She was also a member of the Lyonnia Garden Club of McRae and served as President.  She was an avid bridge player and was a member of McRae Duplicate and her local bridge group.

She is survived by her children, Barbara Ponder Smith Cook and her husband, Travis Perkinson Cook of McRae Frederick Augustus Smith, III and his wife Karen of Atlanta, Cathy Mizell Smith Elkins of Athens and Carolyn Faye Smith of Statesboro.  Also surviving are three grandchildren, Barbara Catherine Cheek and her husband John of Atlanta, John Morgan Cook and his wife Annie of Gray and Hope Mizell Elkins of Phoenix, Arizona; three great-grandchildren and a step-great-grandchild Travis James Cheek  and Caroline Elizabeth Cheek of Atlanta, Tallulah Cook and Canon Moncrief of Gray.  The family would also like to thank Ms. Bobbie’s caregivers for their dedicated service and loving care: Bernice Whitehead, the late Sara Moring, Ann Johnson, the late Cynthia Patrick, Connie Austin, Pearl Riley, Louise Chapman, Billie Scarborough, Latrish Underwood, Mattie Lambert, Frederica Kellam, Celonia Pace and many others over the years.  The family would also like to thank Dr. Brian Siddall, Brena Siddall and the staff of McRae Manor for their excellent care and compassion.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00P.M., Monday, May 22, at McRae United Methodist Church with Rev. David Blalock and Rev. Jason Dickerson officiating.  Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery, McRae.  Visitation will be held from 1:00P.M.-3:00P.M., Monday, at McRae United Methodist Church. 

Contributions to the McRae United Methodist Church, a favorite charity or flowers are all acceptable.

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