Shirley Turner Smith

Shirley Turner Smith, age 87 of Hendersonville, passed away peacefully on May 7, 2023 surrounded by loved ones. Shirley was born on January 24, 1936 in Hartsville, Tennessee to the late Lawrence and Katharine Turner.

She attended Trousdale County High School where she was voted most athletic and enjoyed playing basketball and cheering. Shirley graduated in 1954 and then received her nursing degree from the Baptist Hospital School of Nursing; she later worked for Plough Incorporated in Memphis, TN as a plant nurse.

Shirley married the love of her life, Robert Craig Smith, Jr. of East Nashville in 1958 and they enjoyed 45 beautiful years together. Shirley and Craig lived in Memphis for a brief time and then returned to Hendersonville, Tennessee in 1962 to raise their family. She was an avid traveler, loved and had a gift for needlepoint and was a true Tennessee Vols Fan. She loved cheering on the Vols in basketball and football and going to as many games as possible over the years.

Shirley was a member of the Hendersonville First United Methodist Church and took much pride in helping do the needlepoint bench in the main sanctuary as well as the needlepoint bench in the prayer room. She was a member of Lakeside Neighbors and enjoyed volunteering to decorate the church at Christmas and other church activities. Shirley loved to decorate and enjoyed working with fresh flowers. Shirley was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She loved to laugh and packed a lot of life into her 87 years.

In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Craig Smith. She is survived by her sons, Kirk Smith (Janet) and Kip Smith (Penny). She was “Gamma” to her four precious grandchildren, Bailey Martin (Tate), Jake Smith (Blaike), Katharine Smith, and Turner Smith; she is also survived by her sister, Linda Twelves; and niece, Kati Hicks. Funeral Services will be held 3:00 P.M., Saturday, May 13, 2023 from the Hendersonville First United Methodist Church with Rev. Don Hutchinson officiating. Visitation with the family will be on Saturday from 1:00 P.M. until time of service at the church. A private family burial will be held on Monday, May 14, 2023 in Hendersonville Memory Gardens. The family would like to express a heartfelt thanks to the caregivers at Maple Cottage where she spent her final days. Shirley will be missed by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hendersonville First United Methodist Church or Alive Hopsice. Arrangements Entrusted to: Sumner Funeral & Cremation Lakeside, Hendersonville (615)822-4442 www.sumnerfuneral.com Proud to be family owned and operated.