Obituary: Ann Smith Jacobs; 93; Retired Greenwich Catholic Schools Teacher

From www.hinnantfuneralservice.com.

Ann Elizabeth Smith Jacobs went home to be with the Lord on Aug. 5, 2013 at the Peak Resources Rehab Facility in Charlotte, NC.

Born in Guilford County, Sedalia Community, on July 31, 1920, she was the middle child of the late Guy and Effie Smith.

Firstly, she was prematurely born at seven months, but with God’s help and the love and care of a Christian mother, she survived and lived a long and rewarding life.

She was reared in a Christian home and taught to observe Christian values. She deeply cared for others, especially children, and those in need. She attended Sunday School and all other church services regularly. She received her elementary and a portion of her high school education at the prestigious Palmer Memorial Institute, Sedalia, NC, and graduated from Sedalia High School also in Sedalia. She furthered her education at Winston-Salem State University (then known as Winston-Salem Teachers College) in Winston-Salem, NC, graduating and receiving a B.S. Degree in Primary Education. She later attended Fisk University in Nashville, TN and continued to the Bridgeport University in Bridgeport, CT. She desired to be well-prepared for the work she pursued. She was very creative in every way, especially artistically. She taught first grade for several years at Sedalia High School, but later decided to pursue other avenues of work opportunities in Greenwich, which included operating a small day care facility. 

She later met and married the late Ralph Lyles of Greenwich, Connecticut. To this union, one loving daughter was born, Janet Oves. Several years following his death, she married the late Robert Jacobs of Greenwich. 

Elizabeth (“Liz”) became employed at the Greenwich Catholic Schools in Greenwich. She thoroughly enjoyed teaching and was considered a master teacher. After 25 years of service, she retired from Greenwich Catholic Schools. She returned home with her husband who was ill and cared for him until his demise, and also aiding the care of a sister who was also ill at the time.

As a member of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, she worked faithfully and diligently on the Trustee Board and with other organizations in the church. She aided in any way needed. She remained a member until she returned home. Being one who believed in helping others, she founded the Masqueraders’ Club in Greenwich and served as its president for many years. 

In addition, she founded the All Purpose Club in the Sedalia community which was very successful and beneficial. This club assisted and aided many churches which was the objective. After moving to Charlotte to be near her daughter, she became an affiliated member of Memorial Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, NC. She was active with the Presbyterian Women and their Dove’s Nest project, and their Vacation Bible School. Whatever was asked of her to do, she did willingly with a smile. 

She always looked to God for guidance, praying for strength each day. Elizabeth possessed a very warm and friendly personality and met no strangers. Her smile, her laugh, her sense of humor, including her love and concern for others will always be remembered. She will be greatly missed by her family, many friends, and especially her great-grandchildren who visited her in the home every day. She was concerned about their welfare and how profitable their day had been. Her true Christian spirit will remain in the lives and hearts of those who knew her. She was a loving daughter, sister, mother, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her sweet potato pies were delicious and in great demand. She enjoyed traveling with friends to places of interest such as the Virgin Islands, Mexico, France, Grenada, Canada and Dutch Country.

She leaves to cherish her memory: a loving daughter, Janet Lyles Springs of Harrisburg, NC; two granddaughters, Constance Springs of Charlotte, NC , Camille S. Kirkland of Harrisburg, NC; one sister, Posey Johnson of Wilmington, NC; one sister-in-law, Lessie Smith of New Haven, CT; one niece, Maxine (Anthony) Mitchell of Bakersville, CA; three nephews, Edward Smith of San Francisco, CA; Kevin (Diane) Smith of Sterling Heights, MI; Reginald Smith of Thomasville, NC; three great-grandchildren, Michael Morrison, Mylon Kirkland, and Elan Kirkland, and two great-nephews, Aaron Smith, Tyrek Smith; three special friends, Ruth Totton, Ann McAuley , Lucy K. Roddey, and many other relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by two sisters, Jeanette and Edith Louise and two brothers, Guy and Samuel.

Funeral services were held Aug. 13, in Sedalia, NC.