Obituary of Wava Marie Smithwick

Age 85, of Flint, died Saturday, April 19, 2014, at McLaren Flint. Funeral service will be held 11:00 am Thursday, April 24, 2014, at Hopewell General Baptist Church. Pastor Scott Southerland to officiate, with burial to follow in Sunset Hills Cemetery. Family will receive friends at Martin Funeral, Cremation & Tribute Services on Wednesday, from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm. On Thursday, Wava will be taken to church to lie in state from 10:00 am until time of service at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Hopewell General Baptist Church. Envelopes are available at the funeral home and church. Wava was born August 18, 1928, in Flint, Michigan, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Russell and Anna (Johnson) Pruder. She and J.W. Smithwick were united in marriage on September 21, 1946. Wava worked for the Westwood Heights School District for 24 years as a cook, retiring in 1989. She was a member of Hopewell General Baptist Church since 1956, where she served in a variety of capacities until her death. Wava enjoyed spending time with her family, gardening and traveling. Left to cherish her memory are five children, Jerry and wife, Muriel Smithwick, James and wife, Kathy Smithwick, Jeffery and wife, Linda Smithwick, Janet and husband, Mike Helmer, and John and wife, Marcia Smithwick, brother-in-law Glenn Smithwick and wife, Margaret Smithwick; 14 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; sister, Wilma Morse; and many nieces and nephews.