Helen Marie Smith

Age 84, of Orlando, Florida, formerly Jackson, Michigan, passed away Saturday, February 19, 2022.  She was born January 18, 1938, in Jackson, Michigan, the daughter of Allen and Mary (Howe) Dryer.

Helen was predeceased by husband Duane E. Smith.  She is survived by her children, Carolyn Bethka of Orlando, FL, Gerald “Jerry” Smith of Hanover, MI, Donna Jacobs (Victor) of Orlando, FL, Randy Smith (Dawn) Of Olathe, KS, Bobbie Hilton of Havre De Grace, MD; 11 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.  She is also survived by her siblings Melvin Dryer, Shirley Parsons (Gayle), Martha Schwalbe (Tom), and Linda Steele, and special family Cheryl Smith and David Herrington.

Our devoted Mom, Grandma and Great-Grandma loved spending time with her family and friends.  She enjoyed spending time reading, quilting, crocheting, playing dominoes, and traveling.  She had a green thumb for plants and flowers, especially her orchids and loved teaching her grandchildren about caring for them.  She always enjoyed returning to Michigan to share memories with her lifelong friend Linda Rogers.

The funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 26, 2022, at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel, 325 W. Washtenaw, Lansing, Michigan 48933. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday before the service.

Memorial donations are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the American Heart Association.