Eva Nell Robinson (Mickey) Smith, age 95, a lifelong resident of Montgomery, went to join the love of her life, husband Jack, on October 25, 2017. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Smith, her son, David, her parents, Thomas J. and Eva Robinson, her sisters Elsie Mae, Jose Fa, Peggy, Winifred, and brothers David and John.

Eva Nell was born in 1922 and grew up in Oak Park with her seven brothers and sisters. She and her Robinson siblings maintained close relationships throughout their lives and were strong Christian models for their children and grandchildren. She and Jack married in 1940 and began the family-centered life that would ultimately include five children. She strongly supported the lives of her children and grandchildren with her unique combination of strength and tenderness. She delighted them with many fun activities such as decorating gingerbread houses and baking cookies at Christmas, dying quail eggs at Easter, phonics lessons and many gardening and lake projects.

Eva Nell was an active member of Forest Avenue, Aldersgate, and Frazer Memorial Methodists Churches. She was also active for many years with the Nellie Burge Community Center and the Montgomery Reading Initiative.

Eva Nell is survived by her children Cherry Hammett (George), Charles Smith (Dottie), Doug Smith, Peggy Hudson (Gordon) and daughter-in-law Bettye Smith and twelve grandchildren: Matthew Smith, Laurie Smith, Charles Hammett, Steve Hammett, Charles Smith, Jr., Katie Suchocki, Tori Lassiter, Mollie Klosky, Sarah Brown, Heidi Smith, Rebecca Medina, Blake Hudson and twenty five precious great-grandchildren. Eva Nell is also survived by her sister Elizabeth (Wibbie) Bozeman.

Visitation is scheduled for 9:00 am on Monday, October 30th in the East Sanctuary of Frazer Memorial United Methodist Church in Montgomery. The funeral will follow at 10:00 am with Pastor Charles Smith, Jr. officiating. A brief graveside service and burial will follow at Montgomery Memorial Cemetery.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Jaunia Pearson, Revail McCall, Gloria McCall, Tess Powell, Huzell Brown and Cynthia Battles. These wonderful caregivers allowed the family to keep "grandmother" in her home for these last several years.

As it says in Proverbs 31:28-29, "Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 'Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.'"

Published in the Montgomery Advertiser on Oct. 29, 2017.