Marjorie Esther Smith

Memorial services for Marjorie Smith, 88, Lawrence will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 19, 2015 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence. Marjorie passed away Wednesday, August 12, 2015 at Olathe Hospice House.

Marjorie was born April 13, 1927 in Dexter, MO the daughter of Dwight and Florence (Chils) Colbert.

She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Bacteriology from the University of Kansas in 1949. She received a 2nd Bachelor’s Degree in Art in 1995.

She was a member of the Kansas City Sculpture Association, the Kaw Valley Sculpture Association, the American Association of University Women, the Unity Church in Overland Park, and the KU Marching Band.

She was a homemaker.

She married James O. Smith on June 5, 1949 in Danforth Chapel in Lawrence. He preceded her in death March 9, 2003.

Survivors include her six children, Janet Calkins, North Aurora, IL, Scott Smith (Charlene), Carrollton, TX, Laura Nutt (Steve), McLouth, KS, Tom Smith (Janet), Lenexa, KS, Tim Smith (Sandy), Overland Park, KS, Carol Couzens-Harris (Dennis), Merriam, KS; thirteen grandchildren; and eight great grandchildren.

The family will greet friends at 10:00 a.m. one hour prior to the service at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday at the mortuary.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Shriners Hospitals for Children and may be sent in care of the mortuary.

7 Condolences

  1. Duncan Langat on August 15, 2015 at 4:27 am

    Scott and your entire…Sorry for your loss.
    Our hearts and prayers with you. May she Rest In Peace in God’s Kingdom.
    Peace and blessings,



  2. Susan Egan on August 16, 2015 at 9:57 am

    I did not know Marjorie Smith, but I noticed that she received a Bacteriology degree at KU in 1949 – quite a feat for a woman at the time. I’d like to express my condolences to Marjorie’s family on behalf of past and current Microbiologists and Bacteriologists at KU, and the current department of Molecular Biosciences.
    Susan Egan, Professor and Chair, Molecular Biosciences, KU



  3. Anonymous on August 16, 2015 at 3:32 pm

    Will miss this sweet woman in my class and in sculpting times at her studio. She was always around when Eldon was casting at KU. Sculpting was always fun and hilarious when she was around. She’s sorely missed.



  4. Lisa Hinkle on August 17, 2015 at 3:57 pm

    Scott and family – my condolences… and my empathy and sympathy – Moms are special people. ♥
    Sincerely,
    Lisa Kay



  5. John Gregov on August 17, 2015 at 4:04 pm

    Scott and Family,
    Sorry for your loss.
    Our prayers are with you and your family.



  6. Christine Colbert on August 17, 2015 at 11:08 pm

    Janet, Scott, Laura, Tom, Tim, Carol, and families,

    With love and condolences to all of you at this time,

    Christine and family



  7. Jo and Richard Roe on August 18, 2015 at 3:46 pm

    Laura, Steve, Nutt Girls and all the Smith Family,

    We always enjoyed seeing Marge and getting to know her over the years. Our thoughts are with you as you grieve the loss of this very gracious lady who meant so much to all of you.



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