Inez (Cumber) Smith

Inez Cumber Smith, 94, of York, SC peacefully passed from her Earthly home entering her Heavenly home on July 29, 2023.

The family will receive friends from 1 PM-2 PM on Thursday, August 3, 2023 at Mt. Vernon Church, 2160 Smithford Rd., Hickory Grove, SC 29717. The funeral service will begin at 2 PM with Dr. Chris Bryan and Dr. Otha Smith officiating. Burial will be at Hickory Grove Cemetery.

In Rockingham, NC on February 28, 1929, Inez was born to the late Elbridge Cumber and Rachel Steen Cumber. She was one of nine children born into the family during the period known as The Great Depression. While their childhood was consumed with more chores than play time, her home was filled with love. She and her siblings created bonds that endured a lifetime.

December 26, 1951, Inez married John P. Smith. Shortly after their wedding, John prayerfully decided to answer God’s call into the ministry. Inez was there by his side just as she had vowed. Together they welcomed four children into the world. Inez was a grandmother of five and a great grandmother of nine. Her family was the center of her universe.  She loved them all fiercely and unconditionally.

Among adults, Inez was considered shy and timid. She was perfectly fine with that characterization because it was children that captured her heart. She had mastered the art of storytelling and enjoyed nothing more than sharing the love of Jesus Christ with them. Inez would spend tireless hours weekly preparing lessons and songs for Children’s Church. She organized programs and activities for Vacation Bible School in the summertime.

Professionally, she served the community as a teacher’s aide at both Hickory Grove Elementary School and Sharon Elementary School. Later she worked as an assistant to the media specialist.

In her spare time, she not only tutored children but taught adults to read. She enjoyed journaling and reflecting upon inspirational quotes. Her hobbies included sewing clothes, painting ceramics, canning vegetables, making jellies, and playing Scrabble.

She is survived by her children: Marilyn Ramsey (Mike), Sam Smith (Beverly), Geoge Smith, and Stephanie Broach (Eric). Grandchildren: Michael Ramsey, Grant Ramsey, Brandon Smith, Rachel Whitmire, and Lauren Tyson. Great Grandchildren: Riley, Brice, and J. R. Ramsey, Davis Ramsey, Georgia Trivett, Owen Whitmire, Noah Smith, Luke and Beau Tyson. Brother: Perry Cumber.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Rev. John P. Smith and her siblings Hazel Elkins, Lee English, Margret Hatcher, Naomi Outlaw, Lib Watson, J.B. Cumber, and Ed Cumber.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Mount Vernon Church, 2160 Smithford Road, Hickory Grove, SC 29717 or to Agape Care, 1069 Bayshore Drive, Rock Hill, SC 29732.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.brattonfuneralhome.com.

Bratton Funeral Home of York, SC is serving the Smith family.