Eliza Jean Simpson Smith

Mrs. Eliza Jean Simpson Smith, age 87, of Toccoa, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Sunday February 20, 2022 at the Veranda at Carnesville.

Jean was born in 1934 in her family home, and lived most of her life at her favorite place— in the quiet shade of Currahee Mountain. She made a home early on with the love of her life, Edmund Smith, to whom she was married for 67 years before his passing in 2019.

She loved to garden, and the giant sunflowers she grew every year often drew travelers to her door; she never turned away anyone who asked for a flower or two to brighten their home. Jean gathered her family for a mid-week meal for many years, even after her children had children of their own. When she wasn't busy caring for family or growing flowers and vegetables in her and Edmund's garden, she tended to the chickens they raised in their backyard. Jean retired from Coats and Clark with 20 years of service.

Eliza Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Harrison and Martha Beck Simpson, and eight siblings, Horace Simpson, Hugh Simpson, Carrie Palmer, Alma Rice, Ruth Rice, Ethyl McIntyre, Francis McClain, and her twin, Harrison "Junior" Simpson.

She is survived by three children of Toccoa: son Carl Smith, son and daughter-in-law Dwain and Lynn Smith, and daughter and son-in-law Barbara and Walt Jester, as well as five grandchildren: Justin Smith, Logan Smith, Alexandra Jester and partner Jonathan Gathany, Alexis Jester, and Katlynn Jester; a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, February 23, 2022, 4 o’clock p.m. in the Hillcrest Chapel of the Acree-Davis Funeral Home with The Reverend Teddy King officiating.  The following gentlemen will serve as pallbearers, Justin Smith, Logan Smith, Alexandra Jester, Jonathan Gathany, Irvin Isbell and Earl Smith.  Honorary pallbearers will be Billy Shirley and Stanley McClain.

The family will receive friends at the Acree-Davis Funeral Home on Tuesday, 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. and on Wednesday from 2:30 p.m. until the service time.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.acree-davisfh.com.

Following the service, Mrs. Smith will be interred alongside her husband Edmund at Stephens Memorial Gardens.

Acree-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements for Mrs. Eliza Jean Simpson Smith.