Obituary of Lakie Smith Maynard

Lakie Smith Maynard, age 93, departed this life for her heavenly home on December 23, 2018.  She was born February 15, 1925 in Pike County, Kentucky.  She was the youngest and last surviving child of Jane Williamson Smith and Jarrett Smith.  She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years James Haskel Maynard; one son Crandell Lynn; four brothers, JD, Ossie, Carl, and Earl Smith; four sisters Theresa Smith, Brookie Scott, Lola Roberts, and Hester Maynard.  She is survived by two sons, Danny Ray Maynard (Sue Ann), Forrest Michael Maynard (Rosa), and one daughter Janet Maynard Ray (Tim); four grandchildren, Stephen Kevin Maynard, Amanda Kathryn Maynard, Dallas Wade Maynard, and Brandy Elizabeth Maynard; four great grandchildren, Caleb James Maynard, Dalton Joseph Maynard, Gabriel Zander Popp, and Bailey Wade Popp.  She also left behind many nieces, nephews, and “adopted” children, too numerous to count.

She attended Pikeville College in Pikeville, KY for two years with the intention of receiving a degree in education, but this was cut short by the start of WWII.  Due to a shortage of teachers, she was given a teaching certificate and sent to teach in a one room schoolhouse in Mud Lick, KY.  She taught school until she married our Dad on November 22, 1947.  They started a family and eventually left Kentucky in 1952 to live in Citra, Florida.  Momma worked at many different jobs over the years, but only as was necessary for her real desire was to be at home with her children.   Ultimately she retired at age 65 from Grace Episcopal Day School where she was a custodian. 

She was considered the matriarch of her large extended family and was greatly respected and loved by all who knew her.  She never met a stranger, would talk to anybody, loved to yard sale and immensely enjoyed her time as a flea market vendor.  Additionally, she loved her vegetable and flower gardens and was more than happy to share with everyone.  She canned and froze her bounty and hated to see anything go to waste.  She was blessed to be able to work in her yard and garden until early this year and for that we are grateful. 

Momma, thank you for spoiling us all with your love.  It’s not possible to realize all you have done for us.  It is easy to forget how much you have given and how much you cared.  May we never forget the affect you had on our lives, your love and sacrifice is immeasurable.  Thank you for making everyone feel welcome in your home and welcome at your bountiful table where no one ever went away hungry.  You were as much our “salt of the earth” as we will ever know.  Just as salt has a positive influence on the food it seasons, so has your influence been the seasoning on our lives. 

Give her the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.  Proverbs 31:31