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November 5, 1922 – December 7, 2020
Beloved Mother and Grandmother
Rosemary Moore Smith, age 98 of Hamilton, GA passed away peacefully Monday, December 7, 2020 at her home in Hamilton with family members by her side.
Rosemary was born on November 5, 1922 in Winston-Salem, NC and was the daughter of Laurence Pratt Moore and Leila Camilla Johnson Moore. She attended Girls’ High in Atlanta and the University of Cincinnati before transferring to the University of Georgia. Here she met her future husband Theodore “Ted” Smith and graduated with a degree in journalism. They eventually settled in Stone Mountain, GA. After her children started school she began a career as an elementary school librarian.
Upon retirement she and Ted bought a sailboat and sailed the Intracoastal Waterway for several years. They also canoed Georgia’s rivers. While she was in her 60s she backpacked through Europe with her daughter and granddaughter. She continued to travel extensively to Europe and Canada up into her 90s. Somewhat dissatisfied with what she called a “do nothing” retirement she and Ted helped form Family Initiative Residences which provided homes for the mentally ill in the Atlanta area. She also planted many street trees in Hamilton which are still thriving on Hamilton Square Street.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Theodore Roosevelt Smith (Ted), and a son, Laurence Clark Smith.
Survivors include daughters Leigh Rath (Bruce) of Hamilton, GA and Laura Smith of Clayton, GA and grandchildren Megan Antonovich, Madelyn Ovdenk, and Alex Rath, as well as three great-grandchildren.
Memorial services will be privately held for family members.
In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Humane Society of Harris County GA or to the Georgia Alliance for the Mentally Ill.
The family is being assisted by Georgia Cremation, 7500 Veterans Parkway, Suite A, Columbus, Georgia 31909, 706-577-0055. The family invites you to leave a condolence or share a fond memory of Mrs. Smith below.
Rick Langholz says
My condolences to the Smith and Rath families. Larry was my best friend when I lived in Avondale Estates, and I have fond memories of the Smith family. Rosemary and Ted touched base with my parents while visiting Northern Virginia in the 1980s.
My wife and I lost three of our parents between November 30 and December 19 over the years, so the holiday season is somewhat somber for us. Try to focus on all the positive memories you have of your mother, and remember that her spirit will never die.