Celebrating the life of
Christi Lee Smith
October 17, 1955 - October 16, 2013
Savannah, Georgia - Christi Lee Smith, 57, passed away Wednesday, October 16, 2013 at Hospice Savannah, Inc. Christi attended and graduated in 1974 from Taft Senior High in Hamilton, Ohio. She then attended Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, Kentucky graduating in 1978 with a BS degree in Elementary Education. She married Kevin W. Smith May 12, 1978 in Decatur, Alabama. Together they lived in eight states over thirty five years due to Kevin's career with Champion International. She began a 30 year career in the banking industry that encompasses establishing a branch of Chaco Credit Union in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina. She also worked for American Express Financial Advisors in Florence, Alabama. She concluded her banking career with Savannah Bank in their commercial group. She and her husband established and owned Savannah Sommelier LLC where she functioned as President and Chief Financial Officer. Christi was an avid golfer and was a former member of Valley Pine Country Club in Lasker, North Carolina, Turtle Point Yacht and Country Club in Killen, Alabama, and The Landings Club on Skidaway Island, Georgia. She was a member of Alpha Delta Pi, former president of the Halifax County North Carolina Humane Society.
She was preceded in death by her father William J. Smith, her grandparents Riley and Donna Smith, and Jay and Onna Lee Thomas.
She is survived by her husband of 35 years, Kevin W. Smith of Savannah, Georgia; her mother Authalia Tommie Smith of Fairfield, Ohio; her sister Sherry Jim Ullman of Fairfield, Ohio, and her nephew Jason Kristy Begley of Hamilton, Ohio. She is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Pam Dale Haynes of Ontario, California and Abby Marcum of Cincinnati, Ohio and nephew Jason Zimmerer of Toledo, Ohio and niece Kasey Marcum of Cincinnati, Ohio.
The family would like to thank Hospice Savannah, Inc. for their professional care and kindness, Dr. Rolland Summers for his exceptional skills and guidance, and thanks to Kim and Vanessa at the J.C. Lewis Cancer Pavilion for their wonderful care. The family would also like to thank the leadership and staff at Savannah Bank for their support. We would also like to acknowledge Eric and Carolyn Hobday of the Landing's for their many hours of sacrifice while Kevin helped Christi through this illness.
There will be no service in Savannah as a memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, November 2, 2013 at Rolling Hill Baptist Church in Fairfield, Ohio.
Remembrances: Hospice Savannah, Inc., P.O. Box 13190, Savannah, GA 31416.
Please sign our online guestbook at www.foxandweeks.com
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
Kevin, What can you say except that you are the best husband ever. You loved her so much and were with her every step of the way during this difficult time. I'm so sad that you lost your life partner. Please stay in touch on your journey and remember how much you are loved and how blessed you are to have so many people who care about you. Love you so much, Nancy & Michael
- Nancy Lepera, Duluth, GA
To the Family of Christi L. Smith I am sorry for the loss of your love one. She was a very sweet and helpful person. We send our deepest sympathy and prayers of comfort. Stay encourage. From the Canty Family
- Caroline H. Canty, Roanoke Rapids, NC
Dear Kevin, We still take the RR newspaper by mail, so just now read of Christi's passing. She was much too young, so her leaving is especially sad. We send our condolences, and wish you well as you continue on without her. The struggle with cancer was a trial, no doubt. Joyce had a mastectomy a week ago, so we know a bit about what you have been through. We have many happy memories of you both. Warmest regards, Myrl and Joyce
- Myrl and Joyce Nisely, Greenville, OH
I would like to express my deepest sympathy for your loss. No doubt, many will feel the loss of such a dear loved one. The Bible promises that Jehovah God 'will actually swallow up death forever, and....wipe the tears from all faces.' Isaiah 25:8
- Ms. Khan, , GA
My sincerest condolences to the family of Christi Smith. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. She was a beautiful person inside and out and I will never forget her. She encouraged and motivated me in ways that she probably didn't even know, but I do. May loving memories comfort you in the days to come knowing she made a difference in the lives of others.
- Linda H. Martin, Roanoke Rapids, NC
Kevin, I'm so sorry for your lost. Christi was a wonderful person. I enjoyed working with her at The Savannah Bank. Christi will be missed. Lisa & Gary Brantley
- Lisa Brantley, Savannah, GA
Kevin, So very sorry to hear of your beautiful Christi's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Ron & Linda
- Ron and Linda Dillard Brenda's sister, Dublin, OH
Dear Kevin, We were so surprised and sorry to hearing of Christi's death. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you. She was such a lovely sweet and caring person!
- Judy and Patrick Green, Savannah, GA
Kevin: We were so sorry to hear of Christi’s death. You have our deepest sympathies. Monique and David Grosse
- Monique and David Grosse, Savannah, GA
Thoughts and prayers for you and your famiiy. May the Lord bless you and guide you through this time of family loss From a 1974 Class Graduate
- Steven A McLaughlin, Monroe, OH
Kevin, please accept our deepest condolences on Christi's passing. Please know that we will keep you both in our prayers. Sincerely, Gerry and Lou Molella
- Gerry and Lou Molella, Savannah, GA
I am sorry to hear of Christi's passing. My deepest condolences go out to her husband and family. I will keep them in my prayers and I ask our heavenly father to keep them and comfort them in their time of grief and sorrow. I remember Christi as a very bright and cheerful person and extremely smart student. I was in school with her in Hamilton during my elementary, junior high and high school years. I am so sorry to hear of her passing and the world will be a lesser place without her here.
- Dennis Sasser, Fairfield, OH
I have nothing but fond memories of Cup. The times I spent with Christi and Kevin at Lake Gaston were some of the best times of my life. She was a warm and wonderful friend and I will sincerely miss her.
- Chris Puryear, Roanoke Rapids, NC
All I ever saw was a smile on Christi's face. She was a good, caring person. I am a better person for knowing Christi. We are here if you need us, Kevin. Our prayers are always with you.
- James Humphries, Roanoke Rapids, NC
Kevin, I truly enjoyed working with and getting to know Christi. She was a wonderful person and will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Kris Whitley
- Kristopher Whitley, Savannah, GA
Kevin Rhonda & I express our heartfelt & sincerest condolences during your difficult time. Christi had a smile for everyone & really cared about her fellow man. You are in our prayers & thoughts. Peace to you brother.
- Cliff & Rhonda Wheeler, Roanoke Rapids, NC
We were sorry to hear of Christi’s death. You have our deepest sympathies. I remember working with her on the credit union at RR. That was a long time ago. We will always remember her winning smile.
- Bob & Chris Fogarty, Savannah, GA
Mr. Kevin, My heart is so heavy and hurting. Christi and I had shared a special relationship aside from a working relationship. I understood what the two of you were going through. We talked about what she was going through and we talked about my dad because he went through it and lost his battle last year. Christi allowed me to pray for her and occasionally gave me a hug. I'm going to miss Christi so much. Mr. Kevin my prayers and my heart is with you. Anita Dailey
- Dr. Anita Dailey, Savannah, GA
Kevin, you and your family are in my prayers. I enjoyed getting to know and work with Christi over the years. She shared so many interesting and funny stories with me that I will never forget. She was the hardest worker I had ever met and was always willing to help others out. I will truely miss Christi. Love, Lisa Tomlin
- Lisa Tomlin, Savannah, GA
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I will miss Christi very much. Barbara Hudson The Savannah Bank
- Barbara Hudson, Savannah, GA
Words cannot express my sadness. May the comfort of God help you through this difficult time. Today and always, may loving memories bring you peace, comfort, and strength.
- Laura Robinson, Savannah, GA
Kevin, My sincerest condolences. You will be in my thoughts and prayers during this time of need. I will truly miss Christi warm smile here at the office.
- Frances True, Savannah, GA
Oh, Kevin. I just heard tonight ,from a friend, of Christi's passing. I am so deeply sorry for all you and her have been through and now what you are going through. You both are in my prayers and thoughts. I always loved going into your shop and seeing the two of you together,,,what a love and friendship you shared. I also loved her infectios smile she always had for everyone. Again, I am so very sorry. May God give you His peace, which truly is beyond our understanding. Please take care, Caralee
- Caralee Davis, savannah, GA
Kevin, What can you say except that you are the best husband ever. You loved her so much and were with her every step of the way during this difficult time. I'm so sad that you lost your life partner. Please stay in touch on your journey and remember how much you are loved and how blessed you are to have so many people who care about you. Love you so much, Nancy & Michael
- Nancy Lepera, Duluth, GA
To the Family of Christi L. Smith I am sorry for the loss of your love one. She was a very sweet and helpful person. We send our deepest sympathy and prayers of comfort. Stay encourage. From the Canty Family
- Caroline H. Canty, Roanoke Rapids, NC
Dear Kevin, We still take the RR newspaper by mail, so just now read of Christi's passing. She was much too young, so her leaving is especially sad. We send our condolences, and wish you well as you continue on without her. The struggle with cancer was a trial, no doubt. Joyce had a mastectomy a week ago, so we know a bit about what you have been through. We have many happy memories of you both. Warmest regards, Myrl and Joyce
- Myrl and Joyce Nisely, Greenville, OH
I would like to express my deepest sympathy for your loss. No doubt, many will feel the loss of such a dear loved one. The Bible promises that Jehovah God 'will actually swallow up death forever, and....wipe the tears from all faces.' Isaiah 25:8
- Ms. Khan, , GA
My sincerest condolences to the family of Christi Smith. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. She was a beautiful person inside and out and I will never forget her. She encouraged and motivated me in ways that she probably didn't even know, but I do. May loving memories comfort you in the days to come knowing she made a difference in the lives of others.
- Linda H. Martin, Roanoke Rapids, NC
Kevin, I'm so sorry for your lost. Christi was a wonderful person. I enjoyed working with her at The Savannah Bank. Christi will be missed. Lisa & Gary Brantley
- Lisa Brantley, Savannah, GA
Kevin, So very sorry to hear of your beautiful Christi's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Ron & Linda
- Ron and Linda Dillard Brenda's sister, Dublin, OH
Dear Kevin, We were so surprised and sorry to hearing of Christi's death. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you. She was such a lovely sweet and caring person!
- Judy and Patrick Green, Savannah, GA
Kevin: We were so sorry to hear of Christi’s death. You have our deepest sympathies. Monique and David Grosse
- Monique and David Grosse, Savannah, GA
Thoughts and prayers for you and your famiiy. May the Lord bless you and guide you through this time of family loss From a 1974 Class Graduate
- Steven A McLaughlin, Monroe, OH
Kevin, please accept our deepest condolences on Christi's passing. Please know that we will keep you both in our prayers. Sincerely, Gerry and Lou Molella
- Gerry and Lou Molella, Savannah, GA
I am sorry to hear of Christi's passing. My deepest condolences go out to her husband and family. I will keep them in my prayers and I ask our heavenly father to keep them and comfort them in their time of grief and sorrow. I remember Christi as a very bright and cheerful person and extremely smart student. I was in school with her in Hamilton during my elementary, junior high and high school years. I am so sorry to hear of her passing and the world will be a lesser place without her here.
- Dennis Sasser, Fairfield, OH
I have nothing but fond memories of Cup. The times I spent with Christi and Kevin at Lake Gaston were some of the best times of my life. She was a warm and wonderful friend and I will sincerely miss her.
- Chris Puryear, Roanoke Rapids, NC
All I ever saw was a smile on Christi's face. She was a good, caring person. I am a better person for knowing Christi. We are here if you need us, Kevin. Our prayers are always with you.
- James Humphries, Roanoke Rapids, NC
Kevin, I truly enjoyed working with and getting to know Christi. She was a wonderful person and will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Kris Whitley
- Kristopher Whitley, Savannah, GA
Kevin Rhonda & I express our heartfelt & sincerest condolences during your difficult time. Christi had a smile for everyone & really cared about her fellow man. You are in our prayers & thoughts. Peace to you brother.
- Cliff & Rhonda Wheeler, Roanoke Rapids, NC
We were sorry to hear of Christi’s death. You have our deepest sympathies. I remember working with her on the credit union at RR. That was a long time ago. We will always remember her winning smile.
- Bob & Chris Fogarty, Savannah, GA
Mr. Kevin, My heart is so heavy and hurting. Christi and I had shared a special relationship aside from a working relationship. I understood what the two of you were going through. We talked about what she was going through and we talked about my dad because he went through it and lost his battle last year. Christi allowed me to pray for her and occasionally gave me a hug. I'm going to miss Christi so much. Mr. Kevin my prayers and my heart is with you. Anita Dailey
- Dr. Anita Dailey, Savannah, GA
Kevin, you and your family are in my prayers. I enjoyed getting to know and work with Christi over the years. She shared so many interesting and funny stories with me that I will never forget. She was the hardest worker I had ever met and was always willing to help others out. I will truely miss Christi. Love, Lisa Tomlin
- Lisa Tomlin, Savannah, GA
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I will miss Christi very much. Barbara Hudson The Savannah Bank
- Barbara Hudson, Savannah, GA
Words cannot express my sadness. May the comfort of God help you through this difficult time. Today and always, may loving memories bring you peace, comfort, and strength.
- Laura Robinson, Savannah, GA
Kevin, My sincerest condolences. You will be in my thoughts and prayers during this time of need. I will truly miss Christi warm smile here at the office.
- Frances True, Savannah, GA
Oh, Kevin. I just heard tonight ,from a friend, of Christi's passing. I am so deeply sorry for all you and her have been through and now what you are going through. You both are in my prayers and thoughts. I always loved going into your shop and seeing the two of you together,,,what a love and friendship you shared. I also loved her infectios smile she always had for everyone. Again, I am so very sorry. May God give you His peace, which truly is beyond our understanding. Please take care, Caralee
- Caralee Davis, savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
