Madaline Binz Smith's Obituary
Madaline Binz Smith died peacefully at sunrise at Methodist Hospice Residence in Memphis, with her family present, on January 29, 2012. She was 89. Born in Little Rock on April 23, 1922, she was a graduate of Mount St. Mary Academy in Little Rock and worked as a registered nurse during World War II. Later, she was a flight attendant based in New York City for American Airlines, during a time when flight attendants were required to be trained nurses. In 1948, she married J. Ritchie Smith, Sr. They lived in Little Rock and then moved to Clemson, South Carolina, while Mr. Smith completed his graduate degree at Clemson University. In 1950, they moved to Memphis when Mr. Smith joined the staff of the newly created National Cotton Council. Mr. Smith died in 2003 on their 55th wedding anniversary. Mrs. Smith was a loving wife and mother, and an elegant woman with a unique sense of humor. She enjoyed being with her family at Memphis Botanic Garden and Dixon Gallery & Gardens. She attended St. Louis Catholic church for many years. She leaves one son, J. Ritchie Smith Jr., and a daughter-in-law, Patti Smith, of Memphis. Services will be 1 p.m. Tuesday at Memorial Park in Memphis, with burial immediately following. A visitation will precede the service at noon. Memorials may be sent to the Church Health Center, Methodist Hospice Residence, or an organization of the donor’s choice.
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