Anson Boyd Smith, formerly of Mt Vernon, Illinois, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on November 2, 2022.
He was born August 10, 1930, in Normal, Illinois to the late Jesse Holder Smith and Wessie K. Smith. Anson married Judith O’Block Woodward on June 19, 1980.
Anson is survived by Judith; children, Laura Moreland of Sidell, Illinois, Blake (Cathy) Smith of Spartanburg South Carolina, Mike (Alicia) Woodward, Mt. Vernon, Illinois, Susan (Paul Maynard), Normal, Illinois, Lisa (Dave) Bailey, Normal, Illinois; fourteen grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren, one of whom is named after Anson.
He was married to Marjorie (Risley) Smith Benoist in 1951. Anson earned his bachelor’s Degree from SIU Carbondale and later his Masters in Speech Pathology. He served in the US Army for two years before settling in Mt. Vernon for over 80 years. He was a teacher at Edison and West Salem Grade Schools. He was a loved and respected educator with District 80 for 38 years and was the first principal at J.L. Buford grade school where he served for 27 years. Anson had a positive attitude that affected the lives of his students, co-workers, and community. He was the president of Rotary Club, served as a member of the Smith Cemetery board including Board President for over 30 years, and an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Mt Vernon. He also served on the board of the Carl Schweinfurth foundation. In addition to his passion for education, Anson enjoyed gardening, woodworking, and traveling. He was a loving husband and a wonderful father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Anson spent this last year at Heritage Health in Normal Illinois where he was known as “Handsome Anson” and the “Happy Boy”. Anson’s family is grateful for the love and support of the staff at Heritage in Normal, especially Ashleigh and Jessica.
A Visitation will be held Saturday, November 5, 2022, from 10:00 am to11:00 am at Hughey Funeral Home in Mount Vernon, Illinois. A Memorial Service will begin at 11:00 am with Pastor Stacy Tate officiating. Inurnment will follow at Smith Cemetery. Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.
