Thelma Rebecca Smith Mcmichael

Thelma Rebecca Smith McMichael (affectionately called Nanny) of 702 Rogers Street, Americus, GA passed away at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center in the early morning hours on April 18, 2012. She was a happy 93 year old who lived alone and would have been 94 years old on May 16. Thelma was born on May 16, 1918 in Watkinsville, GA. She moved with her family to Americus at an early age. Her parents were Eunice Orie Osborne Smith and Adam Wilkerson Smith, Sr. Being one of 12 children and the last surviving sibling, her childhood was filled with laughter, antics, and love. She and her siblings lived on a farm where they made their own toys, got their water from a well, read by a kerosene lamp, bought from a traveling store, and got blocks of ice from the ice man. If it did not rain, her family rode in a buggy each Sunday to the First Christian Church on Taylor Street. Years later they bought a house on McGarrah Street in Americus. She attended Thalean School, graduated from Anthony School in 1935, and attended Georgia Southwestern College. On January 23, 1941, she married Loveard Bryan McMichael, Jr. Nanny enjoyed her family, friends, cooking, a good laugh, football, and baseball. After 15 years of styling the coiffures of children and adults, she resigned to care for her husband, Mac, who was in declining health. When Mac died in 1976, Thelma began working with the City of Americus. After 20 years she retired as Superintendent of Cemeteries in Americus. Mrs. McMichael also managed the counting of county-wide elections in Sumter County for many years. We can sum up her life by remembering her last retirement quote, "My children are the part of my life I'll work for now." She is survived by 2 children and their spouses: Becky & David Ragsdale and Loveard & Dorothy McMichael; 4 grandchildren and spouses: Mike & Michele Ragsdale, Chet & Robin Ragsdale, Bryan & Chris McMichael, and Jill & Cam Cochran; 8 great-grandchildren: Ryan Ragsdale, Reid Ragsdale, Taylor Ragsdale, Walker Ragsdale, Laura Leigh McMichael, Mac McMichael, V, Camie Cochran and Camille Cochran. She is also survived by a large number of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Her siblings, all deceased, were: Bertha Smith Helms, Harrison Smith, Hoke Smith, Katie Mae Bagwell, Martha Allen, Virginia Tucker, Broughton Smith, Helen Booker, A.W. Smith, Jr., Mildred Alcorn and John Smith, Sr. Mrs. McMichael had been a member of Lee Street Methodist Church for more than half a century. She was active in all phases of the church, for many years, including the kitchen and Wednesday night suppers, for as long as her health permitted. Services for Mrs. McMichael will be held at Lee Street Methodist Church in Americus, GA at 11:00 AM on Friday, April 20, 2012. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery. The Reverent Matt Stewart will officiate. Visitation will be held Thursday, April 19, 2012 from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at Hancock Funeral Home, 427 S. Lee St. Memorials can be made to Lee Street United Methodist Church, 1102 S. Lee St., Americus, GA 31709; The League of the Good Samaritan, c/o Magnolia Manor, 2001 S. Lee St., Americus, GA 31709; or to any charity of your choice. To sign our online guestbook, please visit www.hancockfuneralhomeinc.com Hancock Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.