Emily Smith

Emily Smith, 77, of Grand Junction, passed from this life Sunday, August 10, 2025, at Bolivar General Hospital.

She was born Sunday, January 18, 1948, in Memphis, daughter of the late Earl M. Smith, Sr. and Lois Eastham Smith and lived in Memphis until retiring to Grand Junction.  After graduating from Grand Junction High School in 1966, Emily attended UT Martin Branch for 2 years.  She worked for Fortner Furniture Store as she attended college.  She graduated from Memphis State University with a B.S. in Biology and began working as an FDA inspector for pharmacies, hospitals, restaurants, and fresh-food boat imports.

She was a talented musician at an early age.  She played not only the piano, but also organ, harp, violin and accordion.  She shared her talents from an early age at churches, at Vacation Bible Schools, weddings, funerals and special events.  After retiring, she became volunteer pianist at Saulsbury Baptist Church for a number of years.

She traveled to Israel, Kenya,  South Africa and many countries in Europe.  Emily also enjoyed folk dancing and traveled to may cities for festivals and contests.

She was a very intelligent, calm and creative person.  She excelled in anything she wanted.  She was loved by her siblings, inlaws, nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Survivors include two sisters, Diane Hanna of Murfreesboro and Barbara Sweeney of Grand Junction; a brother, Earl Smith of LaGrange, TN; nieces and nephews, Adrian and Justin Smith, Sally Stevens, Loura Williams and Raymond Hanna; and great nieces and nephews, Waverly and Alena Smith, Hannah Allen, Camden and Ben Williams and Gavin Hanna.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Marshall Smith.  Memorial contributions in her name may be sent to the church of the donor's choice.