Melissa Orel Smith

Melissa Orel Smith, 100, died Tuesday, June 20, 2017 at Oakdale Care Center. She was born December 4, 1916 in Hooks, Tx. to the late Frank I. Perry and Melissa Etta Smith. She was a long time resident of Poplar Bluff. Melissa was a member of the United Church of God International. She married James C. Smith Sept. 23, 1937 in Enville, Tenn. He preceded her in death January 28, 1986. Melissa was a secretary for an insurance co. and also a homemaker who enjoyed poetry, gardening, cooking, and sewing. She was a member of the Agee Community Club. Surviving are four sons, Mark Smith of Desoto, Mo., Buddie Smith of Poplar Bluff, Ben Smith of Mobile, Al.. and Perry Smith of Chaffee, Mo.; one daughter Frances Solley of Texarkana, Tx., 12 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren. Preceding her in death were one son, Glen A. Smith; a daughter Etta K. Sawyer; and four sisters, Rhea Wade, Ramelle Moore, Sue Sharp, an Frankie Smith. A visitation will be Friday, June 23, 2017 at 1:30 P.M. at Fitch-Hillis Funeral Home Chapel. The funeral service will follow at 2:30 P.M. Pastor Rick Beam will officiate. Burial will be at City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society 106 Ferrar Suite 104. Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63701.