Grace Smith

Grace Marie Smith, 87, of Cape Girardeau died Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015, at Southeast Hospital.

She was born July 25, 1927, at Marquand, Missouri, to Leonard and Zettie Starkey Edwards. She and the Rev. Robert D. Smith were married Dec. 7, 1947, at Glenallen, Missouri. He preceded her in death in 1973.

Grace was an active member of Fellowship Baptist Church in Cape Girardeau.

She was one of the founding members of JOY (Just Older Youth) at Bethany Baptist Church.

She was a teacher more than 35 years, starting in a one-room school at Greasy Creek, Missouri, where she taught all eight grades.

Later, she moved to Buckhorn, Missouri, where she taught four grades. She retired after teaching second grade several years at High Mount School in Swansea, Illinois.

She and her husband also owned and operated a grocery store, G&R Market, on South Pacific Street in Cape Girardeau several years.

Grace was an accomplished pianist and played with various gospel groups, most recently with the Melody Masters Quartet.

Survivors include a daughter, Elaine Smith of Cape Girardeau.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Ralph W. and Paul L. Edwards; and two sisters, Pearl Yount and Ruth B. Underwood.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, with Frank Burgess officiating. Burial will be in Cape County Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be given to Fellowship Baptist Church.

Online condolences may be made at fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.