Hollie Marguerite Smith, age 66 of Melrose, FL, passed away on June 23rd after a lengthy illness. Hollie was born in Lakeland, Florida on October 4th, 1953 to LaVergne and Ruth Brown. She was the oldest of three children, big sister to her brother, Clyde and sister, Martha. She graduated from Lakeland Senior High School in 1971 and moved to Gainesville, FL where she was accepted into the nursing program at Santa Fe Community College, graduating after two years with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. While attending nursing school she met her soon-to-be husband, Ricky Smith. They were married on July 10th, 1976, and were married for 43 years at the time of her passing.
Hollie also worked for several years for the Department of Transportation office in Gainesville. It was later in life when she found the job she truly loved, working as a church secretary and serving her church family and her church.
Hollie was a devoted mother to her two children, Kevin and Laura. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, crafts, being a Gramma, and most of all enjoyed showing hospitality to anyone who entered their home.
She is survived by her husband, Ricky Smith, son Kevin Smith, Alachua, Florida, daughter Laura Wootan (Mark), Jacksonville, Florida and her sister, Martha Brown, Gainesville, Florida, 3 grandchildren and one more on the way. She was predeceased by her parents, LaVergne and Ruth Brown, and her brother, Clyde Brown.
Hollie loved and served her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She was a member of Trinity Baptist Church in Keystone Heights. She and Ricky loved singing, gospel music, boating, and camping with family and friends.
The family wishes to thank everyone for their love and support of Hollie and appreciates your attendance to honor her today.
