Gladys Sadie Harvey Smith, 89, of State College, formerly of Elderton and Homer City, died Friday, September 23, 2005 at the Fairways at Brookline Village in State College.
She was born February 25, 1916 in Carroll City, Cambria County, the only child of the late John W. and Blanche Heron Harvey.
In 1941 she married William LeRoy Smith who had been a principal at Homer City, supervising principal of Elderton Schools and assistant superintendent of the Armstrong School District.
Gladys graduated form Clymer High School in 1937. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in two majors, Biology and English, and continued studies at Indiana, Michigan and Penn State Universities.
Gladys was a caregiver to her parents and mother in law, a loving wife, caring mother and best friend to her children, and fund loving grandmother to her grand children. She served as a dedicated English teacher in Homer City and Elderton High Schools, and directed dramas, plays, and musicals in those schools. In addition she served as a coach for scholarship competitions.
Mrs. Smith served as a choir director and organist at the Homer City United Methodist Church for 25 years, and also served as a Sunday School teacher and superintendent there. At the Elderton United Methodist Church, where she held her membership, she served as choir director for 25 years, as a Sunday School teacher and as an assistant pianist and organist. She also served as a Western Pennsylvania District Choir Director for youth conferences and rallies. In Homer City she served as the director of the combined choirs in various pageants and events.
She was a member of the Order of the Amaranth, Honorary Teachers Alpha Delta Kappa, the Homer City Woman's Club and the Elderton Fireman's Auxiliary.
Mrs. Smith is survived by a daughter Judith Smith Shue and her husband Frank Shue of Centre Hall, PA; a son William LeRoy Smith Jr. and his wife Judith Struble Smith of Indiana, PA; three grandchildren, Benjamin Franklin Shue III and his wife Heather Crownover Shue of Lancaster, Eric Leroy Shue of Harrisburg, and Christopher David Shue and his wife Frannie Savel Shue of Clearfield; two great grandchildren, Colin Benjamin and Corey Jackson Shue of Lancaster.
A graveside service with an open casket will be conducted at 2:00 p. m. Sunday, September 25, 2005, at the Oakland Cemetery, 845 Rose St. Indiana, PA with the Rev. Alfred Kimmel officiating. Burial will be at the Oakland Cemetery, Indiana, PA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the William LeRoy and Gladys Harvey Smith Scholarship Fund, to be given to a senior at Homer Center and Elderton High Schools annually. Contributions should be sent to Omega Bank, Rts. 45 and 144, Centre Hall, PA 16828
A guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com