Private graveside services for Brenda Gail "Gigi" Smith, 74, of Arnoldsville, were held at Yonah Memorial Gardens Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021.
Mrs. Smith entered Heaven Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021.
Born July 6, 1946, in Baldwin, she was the daughter of the late Marlow Jordan and Dolly Jordan Aiken. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her stepfather, the Rev. E.L. Aiken; and her brother, Randall Jordan.
Mrs. Smith was a long-time member of Cornelia First Baptist Church, Baldwin Baptist Church and most recently attended Briarwood Baptist Church in Watkinsville. She was employed for many years by the State of Georgia with the Department of Industry and Trade promoting hospitality across the State of Georgia. In 1988, she and husband, Larry envisioned and established Smithville Village. For more than 15 years they hosted thousands of tourists as they strolled through their unique shops and hosted over 500 weddings in the Smithville Chapel. After retirement, Gail and beloved husband, Larry continued to thrive as micropreneurs. They parlayed Larry's love of woodworking and Gail's propensity for sales/marketing into a business. They crafted birdhouses based on replicas of historical homes. Their bird homes were featured in Vogue and Southern Living Magazines.
Gail "Gigi's" greatest joy was her family. All other interest paled in comparison to her three grandchildren. Watching baseball, tennis matches and attending honors night were top priorities. She overcame insurmountable medical challenges throughout her life, with courage and grace. Her family finds comfort in knowing the day will come when all will be reunited.
Survivors include her loving husband, Larry Smith; daughter and son-in-law, Amber (Mike) England of Watkinsville; sisters, Shirley (Arnold) Meeks, Marilyn (Aubrey) Motz, and Carolyn (Milton) Stewart; brother, Donnie (Elizabeth) Jordan; grandchildren, Jordan, Emma, and Wyatt England.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory, North Chapel, Demorest.