Cordia Martha Smith

Cordia Martha Smith, daughter of the late Theodore Louis Graham and Mae Oresta (Hopper) Graham Hughes, was born October 16, 1957 in Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. Due to her father being in the military, Cordia grew up and graduated from high school in Yuba City, California. On April 8, 1978, Cordia was united in marriage to the love of her life Terry Jan Smith in Chugiak, Alaska. They shared over 33 wonderful years together and were blessed with three children: Oresta, Christopher and Christina. Cordia was a hard working woman and took great pride in helping to provide for them. She worked as a custodian for MWR for 11 years and was currently employed for the last 8 years at the Shell gas station in Buckhorn. She was a fantastic stay at home mom for several years. In her spare time, Cordia enjoyed embroidery and crafts and loved to go shopping. She treasured spending time with her family at various family events and especially enjoyed her grandchildren. Cordia was known to most people as Mom or Mama. Cordia’s unconditional love and friendship will be sorely missed. She always enjoyed and valued the relations of family, friends, customers and coworkers. Everyone felt a sense of belonging and being a better person knowing her. Her smile greeted everyone with the joy she had for life. Cordia passed away at 9:50 a.m. Thursday, December 29, 2011 in the University of Missouri Hospital and Clinics of Columbia, Missouri, having attained the age of 54 years, 2 months and 13 days. Cordia leaves to cherish her memory her husband, Terry Smith of the home; three children: Oresta Talbot and her husband John of Dixon, MO, Christopher Smith and his wife Desiree of Waynesville, MO and Christina White and her husband Jeremy of Crocker, MO; one brother: Kevan Graham of Alaska; one sister: Loretta Lawson of Tacoma, WA; 8 grandchildren: Roxanna, John Michael and Hannah Talbot, Lestat, Elias, and Embyr Smith and Joshua and Lillianna White; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Lilburn William Graham and sister, Cynthia Louise Graham. Funeral services were held at 6:00 p.m. Monday, January 2, 2012 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert with Rev. Christopher Hendrix officiating. The songs “Amazing Grace” and “In the Garden” were played. Private family burial was held in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery – Fort Leonard Wood. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Jude’s Cancer Research Center and may be left at the funeral home.

Cordia Martha Smith

October 16, 1957 - December 29, 2011