Clara Lorton Smith, 92, our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister passed away May 4, 2017. Born June 3, 1924, in Creston, Ohio, raised in Sulphur Springs (Tampa) Florida, Clara was the daughter of Rev. John and Leona Lorton. In 1949, she accepted a position with the Church of God Christian Education Board in Anderson, Indiana. Clara soon met Rev. Tom A. Smith, and they were married in 1951. Throughout their 49 year marriage Clara and Tom served the Lord and raised a beautiful family. Clara was a devoted wife and mother.
Clara is survived by her loving children: Jon (Barbi) Smith, Richard (Emily) Smith, Michael (Teresa) Smith, and Sue (Royce) Hammel. She is also survived by grandchildren, Nikki (Chris) Tucker, Ryan Smith, Stephanie (Ryan) Weiss, Elizabeth (Zach) Bahorik, David (Amy) Smith, Jeremy (Julie) Smith, Katelyn Smith, Alexandra Hammel, Michaela Hammel, Samantha Hammel, eleven great-grand-children, a brother, John Lorton and sister, Eveleen Lorton.
Clara was predeceased by her husband, Tom A. Smith.
Clara enjoyed a rich life of service and activity. As a dedicated volunteer at Park Place Church of God, Clara served in a variety of ways with a warm heart and contagious smile. Loving the outdoors and most sports, Clara played tennis until the ripe young age of 92 and was an enthusiastic spectator at her grandchildren's sporting events.
Clara’s love for her family and friends, her dedication to Christ, her generosity of spirit, and, most of all, her heart made her the woman she was.
Services will be held 11 a.m. on Tuesday at Park Place Church of God with Dr. David Markle officiating. Visitation will be Monday, May 8 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service and one hour prior to the service Tuesday in the Bessie Byrum Lounge at the church.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Park Place Church of God.
Online condolences may be made at www.rozelle/johnson.com.