Mrs. Meta Johnson Smith

Smith, Meta (Mimi) Johnson Kenan, (June 11, 1933-June 24, 2013) was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas Holmes Kenan and Mary Colyar Johnson Kenan and her son-in-law, William R. Lucas, Jr. She is survived by her loving husband of 57 years James Forest Smith, Jr. , her children Dean Madden Smith (Carolyn), Thomas Kenan Smith (Lisa), Janet Smith Lucas Beck (Cary), Marguerite Smith Hogan (Doug), her twin sister Janet Kenan Fisher (Ed), her grandchildren Evan (Megan), Claire and Lizzie Smith; Jared (Whitney), Daniel, and Dean Smith; Kenan Lucas (Catherine), Marguerite Lucas Armitage (Thom) and Alice Lucas; Madden, Douglas and Mary Heyward Hogan, and Cary and Meghan Beck; her great-grandchild Robert Kenan Smith, her sister-in-law Mary Alice Smith Tucker, her numerous nieces and nephews and her beloved dog Toby Bear. Mimi was born in Florence, Alabama, but later moved to Knoxville, attending Knoxville schools from the 6th through 10th grades. She graduated from Chattanooga City High School and the University of Tennessee, where she was a Torchbearer, a member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority, president of Mortar Board and a Sigma Chi Sweetheart along with her twin sister. Mimi’s greatest loves were her family and friends. A gracious hostess, Mimi welcomed her friends and her children’s friends at any time. She loved to travel and planned many three-generation family vacations, including a trip to Ireland for the entire family for her 50th wedding anniversary. Her generosity resulted in a close-knit group of cousins. Mimi’s care for and love of others enabled her to move to Nashville for a few years, become involved in the community and develop friendships that would last for the remainder of her life. Mimi was very energetic. She worked tirelessly for her church and her community. She was on the Vestry of Saint John’s Cathedral and a long-time member of the Flower Guild. She was a past-president of the Junior League of Knoxville, the Knoxville Garden Club and the Community School for the Arts and a member of the Colonial Dames of America. A professional watercolorist, she designed the Knox County Flag, and her numerous paintings grace many homes around the Southeast. She was also very competitive, played tennis and golf, and had 4 holes-in-one during her lifetime. She loved playing bridge with her devoted friends. Ever active she was weeding in her garden the day before she fell ill. A memorial service will be held at Saint John’s Cathedral on Thursday, June 27 at 4:00 PM, followed by a receiving of friends in the Great Hall. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the St John’s Cathedral, 413 Cumberland Ave., Knoxville, TN 37902 or the Community School of the Arts, 620 State Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. Online condolences may be sent to www.rosemortuary.com. Arrangements provided by Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel.

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Mrs. Meta Johnson Smith

June 11, 1933 - June 24, 2013