Gee Smith Obituary (1943 - 2023) - Beaufort, South Carolina

Gladys "Gee" Canada Smith, passed away on Sunday, November 5, 2023, with her family by her side. Whether she was pulling the slots in Biloxi or splitting her own firewood during her "country living" days at Smith Mountain Farm, Gee was always the life of the party. Gee was born on July 5,1943, in Huntington, WV, daughter of the late Andrew Joseph Canada and Violet Bernard Canada. Gee was also preceded in death by her husband, Harold Milton Smith, Jr. When Harold asked Gee to marry him, he promised their life together would be like "Christmas Forever", and with those words inscribed on their wedding bands, they happily fulfilled that promise to one another. Gee and her older brother, Joe, spent their childhood in Lynchburg, Virginia. By the time Gee was 17, both of her parents were deceased, and she dutifully enrolled in St. Mary's Boarding School in Raleigh, NC. Gee embraced her new home at St. Mary's where she was a member of the "Cold Cuts" singing group. She went on to be the Senior Class President and was also crowned "Miss St. Mary's." Gee chose to further her education at the University of Georgia where she met many of her lifelong friends through her sorority, Chi Omega. It was also in Athens where she met the love of her life, Dr. Harold M. Smith, Jr. Their "Christmas Forever" journey had many stops spanning from Savannah, Georgia all the way to Fairbanks, Alaska. Her gregarious nature lent itself to a successful career as a real estate broker no matter where Harold's military service took them. During these years and across the various places they called home, Gee amassed what was most precious to her; friends. It is not an overstatement to say there are too many to name from all walks of life and all corners of the globe. Those relationships are what fed her soul. Gee called "Smith Mountain Farm" in Union Hall, Virginia home for 16 years after Harold's passing. She promptly - and proudly - bought a chainsaw and a John Deere gator in order to begin cutting her own firewood to heat her cabin. This proved to be one of the happiest chapters of her life, as she retired at 55 and traveled extensively with friends and family. Gee also relished the simplicity of farm life, and most importantly, loved the opportunity to live next door to her brother, Joe, whom she adored. After surviving a hard-fought battle with breast cancer, Gee chose to move to Beaufort to be near her son, Canada, and his family on the South Carolina coast in a cabin on Lucy Creek. It was here that Gee displayed what can best be described as the epitome of grit and grace. Just three months after moving to Beaufort, she suffered a stroke that left her a mere shadow of her former self. Amazingly, she was able to remain at her beloved cabin on the water, defying all odds for seven years. Despite her limitations, she was able to make those around her laugh until her last days. Gee's Catholic faith was woven throughout her years in the way she genuinely cared for others, but it was perhaps most poignant as she insisted that her nativity scene remain displayed year-round, centered in the large picture window that offered her a breathtaking waterfront view for the past 7 years. Gee is survived by her son, Canada Smith (Courtney) of Beaufort; grandchildren Sydney, Walker, and Creed; brother Andrew Joseph Canada, Jr. (Maryanne) and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins whom she loved dearly. The family will hold a private service, and a celebration of Gee's life will be shared with friends and family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Friends of Caroline Hospice at www.fochospice.org or 329 Friends Lane; Ridgeland, SC 29936.