Florence Smith, 80, of Centralia, passed away Wednesday, November 25, 2020 at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia. Florence was a member of the Free Methodist Church in Centralia. She loved to sing karaoke and playing cards with friends. She especially loved to play Bingo. Most of all, Florence cherished the time she spent with her family.
Private Family Graveside Services for Florence Smith will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the family and will be accepted by the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore Street in Centralia, IL 62801 (618) 532-3523, who is honored to be of service to the Smith family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com or the Funeral Home’s Facebook page.
Survivors include one daughter: Dana Minton and husband Jeff of Centralia; two sons: Gary Smith and wife Kim of Centralia and Michael Smith and wife Jennifer of Centralia; eight grandchildren: Julie Minton of Owensboro, KY, Stacie Minton of Centralia, Tasha Kennedy and husband Josh of Centralia, Gary Smith Jr. of Centralia, Zachary Smith of Centralia, Siera Smith of Centralia, Ryne Smith of Centralia, and Brandon Smith of Centralia; many great grandchildren whom she loved dearly; one sister: Emma Edwards of Trenton, Illinois; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Florence was born February 24, 1940 in Centralia, the daughter of George Dowey and Catherine (Tressce) Dowey. She married Gary L. Smith in Centralia on October 31, 1958, and he preceded her in death on November 26, 2004. Florence was preceded in death by her parents: George and Catherine Dowey; husband: Gary L. Smith; daughter: Terry Smith; one brother; and three sisters.
