Anna Parsons ’44 Smith

Anna Laura Parsons ’44 Smith, age 94, passed away Monday, September 26, 2016 at home with family by her side. Born March 24, 1922 in Durand, Michigan, Anna Laura grew up in Holland and later lived in East Lansing.

She graduated from Hope College in 1944. Anna Laura met her future husband, Fred B. Smith, in East Lansing in 1942. While Fred served in World War II, she taught school in Bay City. Upon Fred’s return, the couple married at Naval Station Norfolk in 1945. Soon thereafter, the couple moved to Fred’s hometown, Evart, where they owned and operated Smith Lumber Company and raised three sons, William, Fred and Thomas.

In addition to being a devoted wife and mother, Anna Laura taught school in Evart for a brief period. All three of her sons served in Vietnam. Her youngest son, Tom, was killed in action as an Army Ranger. Anna Laura was a proud Gold Star Mother and member of the United Methodist Church.

Anna Laura is survived by two sons, William E. (Donna) Smith and Fred B. Smith III, both of Evart; two grandchildren, Thomas E. Smith of Fowlerville and Anne M. (Nate) Laughlin of Midland; and one great-grandson, Caden B. Laughlin. She is also survived by her sister, Ellen (Neil) Newman of Omro, Wisconsin. She was preceded in death by her parents, Elbern and Libbie (Harris) Parsons; husband, Fred B. Smith; son, Thomas E. Smith; brother, Ralph Parsons; and sister Arla Jones.