Althea Smithers

Smithers, Althea L., of Saint Louis, Missouri, was born to Dewey T. and Collie A. (nee Walls) Pannell and passed away Tuesday, October 11, 2022, at her home at the age of 93.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Edward D. (Margaret) Pannell  of Poplar Bluff Missouri, and her beloved husband of 61 years, JC Smithers.

She is survived by, her brother Cloyce T. (Fay) Pannell of Versailles, Missouri along with nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews as well as many friends.

Althea grew up on a farm in Marmaduke, AR with loving parents. She knew about crops, animals, and walked the country road to school. She would describe herself as a farm girl but those close to her knew she was much more than that.

Althea was so pretty; she always had a twinkle in her eyes. She was quick witted, a real lady. She dressed to the nines and could have very well been a model. Althea made some very lovely cross-stitching. She was like a child when receiving a present. She was very active at her church Zion United Methodist. She loved tea parties, fast walking, and proverbs. Althea rode in the annual Moonlight Ramble Bicycle Ride from downtown for years. She was so active, creative, inventive, and artistic.

Althea moved to St. Louis with her husband in 1956. She taught 3rd to 6th grade, the children loved her, and she loved them. She retired in 1990. She and her husband traveled the world together. They loved jigsaw puzzles and framing them. One of her favorite things to do was visit Santa at the mall every Christmas and get their picture taken. Their greatest love was ballroom dancing. Smooth and graceful described their dancing perfectly. They lived and loved the world together.

Althea will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Marmaduke School, 2020 Greyhound Drive, Marmaduke, AR 72443 or Zion United Methodist Church, 1603 Union Road, St. Louis, MO 63125.

Services: Visitation, Monday, October 24, 2022, from 9:00 a.m. until time of Funeral at 11:30 a.m. at Zion United Methodist Church, 1603 Union Rd (63125). Interment Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.