Page 2 - Mrs. Maggie Smiley Homegoing Program
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Obituary
Mrs. Maggie Smiley was born June 30, 1931 in Eudora, Arkansas to Samuel and Maggie Wright. She attended Eudora Colored High School. Upon graduating she attended Arkansas AM & N College, in Pine Bluff AR. Her mother passed early in her life, her step-mother Tisby Wright was an important role model for her. On June 20, 1951 she married Leo Smiley. To this union four children were born.
Maggie was an active member of Carey Tercentenary AME church, in Chicago, she later became a member of Broadview Baptist. Upon moving to Naperville she joined with St. Johns. She was actively involved in several ministries during her life. Maggie served as President of class lead- ers council, Sunday School teacher and other ministries within her church. Bible study was a passion for her and she shared that love with family, friends and church members. One of her favorite songs was “If I Can Help Somebody” her favorite book of the bible was James and two favorite scriptures were Psalm 37 and 71. These chapters reflected her trust in God and her will- ingness to wait for him to work in her life and her dependence on him for his constant help in guiding her life. Other major interest for her was reading and completing “Crossword puzzles”.
In her professional career she worked as a Mental Health Caseworker for the Chicago Associ- ation for Special Needs Children and office assistant for Loyola Medical Center. Her interest in helping others was an extension of her favorite song. Maggie was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend. Her cheerful smile and laugher will be missed, but will live as a memory for each of us.
Maggie leaves to cherish her life: husband Leo; daughter Linda (Darryl) Le Faire, TX; Stanley (Melanie) Smiley, IL; Ray Smiley, IL. 9 grandchildren, Audrey, Nicole Smiley, Philip, Michael, Justin Le Faire, Steven, Renee Smiley, Monica, Christopher Smiley. 10 great grandchildren
and 4 great-great grandchildren. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Maggie was preceded in death in by her son Cordell; parents: Samuel, Maggie Wright, Step-mother Tisby Wright, brothers, Ernest, Albert, Samuel, George, and Carneal. Sister’s Laura, Bernice, Margret, Theresa, Dorothy.
Maggie will be sorely missed, but we know she is at rest in the arms of her heavenly father and enjoying hello’s with family and friends who greeted her.
I have been young, and now I am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging for bread. Psalm 37:25 (NIV)