Neta Irene Hancock Smith

Neta Irene Hancock Smith, age 87 of Calhoun, died peacefully at her home on Monday December 8, 2014 following several months of declining health.

She was born on May 9, 1927 in Belton, SC, daughter of the late James Ansel Hancock and Nellie Eufaula Ingram Hancock. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Henry Smith in 2000; and her siblings, Catherine Cotton, John Hancock, Wilton Hancock, Jack Hancock, David Hancock, Nancy Hancock and Billy Hancock.

Survivors include a son, James Calvin Smith and his wife Wendy of Talking Rock, GA; a daughter, Mary Nell Podgorny and her husband John of Calhoun; a granddaughter, Susan Smith of Talking Rock; step-grandchildren, Rebecca Yandle, Emily Ayala-Yandle, Megan Yandle; great-grandchildren, Leon Ayala-Yandle and Keegan Carpino; and nieces, nephews and cousins. She leaves behind devoted caregivers and companions, Marlene, Holly, Inez and Eden.

After growing up in Belton, SC, McKinney, TX and Thomaston, GA, Neta attended Georgia State College for Women, receiving her teaching degree in Health and Physical Education in 1950, and her Masters Degree from Middle Tennessee State University. While teaching at Milton High School in Alpharetta, she met Charlie on a blind date. They married in 1952. Moving to Fairmount in 1960, they taught at Fairmount School until they retired in 1985. Not slowing down in retirement, Neta volunteered with the Gordon Hospital Auxiliary, Blewer Memorial Food Center, and was an active member of Belmont Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School. She was also a member of the Gideon's Auxiliary and the Calhoun-Gordon Retired Educators Association. She enjoyed traveling with friends including trips to Israel and Alaska.

Neta took joy in life, and shared that joy with her students, colleagues, friends, neighbors and family. If she was not able to play her harmonica, she was either whistling or singing. Her faith and walk in life were synonymous.

A service to celebrate the life of Mrs. Neta Hancock Smith will be held Thursday, December 11th at 3:00 PM from Belmont Baptist Church, with Rev. Jim Sellers, Rev. Bob Skelton, Rev. Johnny Parker, and Dr. John Allen officiating. The body will lie in state at the church from 2:00 PM until the service hour. Interment will follow in Gordon Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers serving are members of the Gordon County Gideon Camp. Honorary pallbearers will consist of members of the Gordon Hospital Auxiliary and Calhoun-Gordon Retired Educators Association.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, December 10th at Max Brannon and Sons Funeral from 4:00 PM until 9:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Gideons or Blewer Memorial Food Center in her memory.

Services for Mrs. Neta Irene Hancock Smith are under the direction and care of Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home of Calhoun.