ESTHER RUTH SMITH1936-2007Esther R. Smith, our beloved mother, grandmother (Ga-Ga), sister, aunt and friend went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Monday, March 12, 2007. She passed from this life after a brief illness at age 70. She was born and raised in Brewton, Alabama and moved to the Pensacola area in 1954 where she became a lifelong resident. She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Lizzie Johnson, husband Donald L. Smith, son Ted Smith, two sisters Edna and Evelyn and one brother Thadis. She leaves behind to cherish her memory, her daughter, Donna Smith, the love of her life, her granddaughter Katie, sisters Faye Williamson (Durwood) and Shirley Hollington (A.W.), as well as a host of nieces, nephews and friends. She was a member of Ferry Pass Baptist Church where she was part of a very special loving family. Mom had an abiding faith in her Lord and longed for the day when she would be reunited with Him and her husband and son. Her passion in life was her granddaughter, cooking and gardening. Esther was famous for her "deep south cuisine". She was a remarkable mother, grandmother and sister. The loss we feel cannot be expressed in words. However, we are comforted by knowing that we will all be reunited together again one fine day. We would like to express our sincere appreciation to her physicians, Dr. John Wade, Dr. James Lonquist and Dr. Thabet Al-Sheikh. We are also indebted to the nursing staff of the coronary intensive care unit at Baptist Hospital with special thanks to Kelly, Marty, Kristin, Johnnie, Kay, Giovannie, Allison and Peggy for their extraordinary care and special attention given to Mom. As painful as our loss is, we know that she got the very best care possible while allowing her to maintain her dignity. The visitation service will be held Thursday, March 15 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at the FISHER-POU CHAPEL at Bayview Cemetary on Scenic Highway. The memorial service will be on Friday, March 16 at 11:30 a.m. with burial immediately following. Pall bearers will be Tony Williamson, Tom Hellinger, Scott Sowell, Randal Paulk, John Hollington and David Hollington.