Marian Margaret Smith

Marian Margaret Smith, 97, of Decatur, MI passed away peacefully on April 25, 2021. She was born on the family farm in Decatur Township. Her parents were R. Lyle Parker and Dorothy (Nicholson) Parker. Marian grew up on the farm where she acquired a love of the land and learned the value of hard work. She attended the Valley country school then Decatur High School where she graduated in 1941. She continued her education at Western Michigan University where she obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in 1945. Like her mother, Marian went on to become a school teacher. She taught Home Economics at Decatur High School for thirty plus years. On April 17, 1946 Marian was united in marriage to Douglas L. Smith. She and Douglas shared 58 years of marriage before his passing in 2004. Together they enjoyed army reunions, cruises, family gatherings, and wintering in Key Largo, Florida. Marian carried the skills and knowledge acquired as a home economics teacher into retirement. She loved baking, canning her garden vegetables, needlework and crocheting afghans. She took great pleasure in mowing her lawn and speeding around the neighborhood on her John Deere lawn tractor. Marian was especially known for her pleasant personality, cheerful smile and contagious laughter. Marian is survived by her children, Larry (Mandy) Smith of Prescott, AZ., B. Scott (Theresa) Smith of Decatur, MI.; her sister, Katie Parker (Bert) Ebbers of Pellston, MI.; her grandchildren, Daniel French of Dowagiac, MI., Amy (French) Parsons of Cassopolis, MI., Marc C. Smith of Gilbert, AZ.; her great grandchildren, Emily and Lucas French and Jasper Parsons; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Marian was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Douglas Smith; her daughter, Sherrie A. Detwiler; and her sister, Phyllis Weurding. A private family inurnment will take place at Lakeside Cemetery, Decatur, MI at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, Decatur, MI. where Marian was a life-long member.