“My name is Glenda Kay (Elliott) Smith and I died of cancer/heart disease at the age of 75. I decided to write my own obituary because they are usually written in a couple of different ways that I just don’t care for. Either, family or friends gather together, and list every minor accomplishment from cradle to grave in a timeline format, or they try to create one poetic last stanza about someone’s life that is so glowing one would think the deceased had been the living embodiment of a deity.”

“I don’t like the timeline format, let’s face it, I never really accomplished anything of note. Other than marrying the love of my life Eddie Smith in 1961 and giving birth to three wonderful, loveable, witty and amazing children, Christy (Bud), Paula (Brian) and Matt (Stacy). Loving my grandchildren more than words can express, Blake (Chrissa), Kyle (Kelsey), Khloe (Tyler), Jake (Rachel Claire), Mandolin, Jonas, Lilly, and Silas; grandchildren by my children’s marriages, Carrie (Ryan), Brendan, Brian, Nathan, Jordan, JJ, and Stevie; and two great-grandchildren, Oliver and Finley. Two grandchildren are already in Heaven, Ryan and Steven. Also surviving, my sister-in-law, Nancy and husband Jim; brothers-in laws, Dan and Bernice and Dick and Sherry; my sister-in-law Vivian; and cousins. A very special cousin that was more like a little sister to me, Janice Kay.”
“I also didn’t want a bunch of my family and friends sitting around writing a glowing report of me, which we all know would be filled with fish tales, half-truths, impossible scenarios and
out-right-honest-to-goodness lies. I just don’t like to put people in that kind of situation.”

“The truth, or my version of it, is this: I was born on June 10, 1943. I came from a very dysfunctional family. I was adopted by my maternal grandparents, Glover and Audrey Elliott at two months old. I was put into the Catholic Convent St. Peter’s in Joplin at the age of six until the age of fourteen. For all of my crazy comments, jokes, complaints over the years, I really did love people. My life was not perfect, and I encountered many bumps in the road. But mostly, I enjoyed life. Some parts of it were harder than others, but I learned something from every bad situation, and I couldn’t do more than that. I have always tried to do my best. Sometimes I succeeded, most of the time I failed, but tried.”

“Some folks told me that writing my own obituary was morbid, but I think it is great because I get a chance to say thank you to all the people who helped me along the way. My own personal family, my church family and friends at First Baptist Church of Duenweg, where I have been a member for many years. Those who loved me, assisted me, cared for me, laughed with me, prayed for me and taught me things so that I could have a wonderful, happy life. Knowing all of you is what made my life worthwhile.”
“If you think of me, and would like to do something in honor of my memory do this:
- Volunteer at a school, church, or hospital
- Write a letter to someone and tell them how they have had a positive effect on your life
- If you smoke – quit
- If you drink and drive – stop
- If you text and drive – stop
- Turn off the electronics and actually talk to each other
- Forgive someone who doesn’t deserve it
- Make someone smile today if it is in your power to do so

A Memorial service will be held in my honor at 11:00 a.m. Saturday at the Duenweg First Baptist Church. Family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Friday at the Duenweg First Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be given to Duenweg First Baptist Church Building Fund in care of the mortuary.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory.
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