Thelma Hamby Smedley

Thelma passed away peacefully in her sleep in Salt Lake City, Utah, on March 14, 2011. She was born in Crossville Tennessee to James Martin and Beatrice Bernice Hamby, both of Crossville, Tennessee. When she was six she moved with her family to St. Elmo, Illinois. Thelma and her family moved to Bountiful, Utah in1955, where she graduated from Bountiful High in 1958, with high honors, earning an academic scholarship to the University of Utah. Thelma was full of life and loved school. She was actively involved in student government and met her future husband Stanley Mark Smedley, son of James S. and Ruby Mabey Smedley, while attending high school. They enjoyed an almost classical movie style high school romance. Thelma was a cheerleader and Stan was the quarterback and captain of the basketball team. They were married June 13, 1962, in the Logan, Utah Temple, later divorced in 1979. Thelma involved herself with her children and ten grandchildren throughout her life as much as she could. She always enjoyed returning home to Crossville and spent almost every summer there with her children at her parents home. Her children spent summer days with grandparents, aunts and uncles and cousins, learning the value of family, the importance of hard-work and great-play, experiencing the magic and wonder of Tennessee country life. Although born severely handicapped in her feet, legs and hands, she excelled at sports, taught herself to type, play the piano, and become fully independent. Throughout her life she sought opportunity to serve others and champion the underdog. In her prime, she was described as an elegant lady with a magnetic personality. The family would like to thank the staff and administration at Fairview Care Center, Salt Lake City, UT; Joe Spencer of Hospice and Home Health; and Russon Brothers Mortuary. Thelma was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Martin and Bernice B. Henry Hamby of Crossville Tennessee, and is survived by her brothers: L. Austin (LaRue) Hamby, Crossville, TN; Tony M. Hamby Sacramento, CA; and her children: J. Mark (Lynette) Smedley, Heber City, UT (Taylor, Isaac, Zachary, Judson, and Eliza); Steven M. (Shellene) Smedley, Richland, WA (Joshua, Sara, and Emma); and Teia Smedley (David) Rogers, Bountiful, UT (Ashley and Bailey). Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 19, 2011 at the Bountiful Tabernacle, 51 South Main, where a viewing will be held from 9:30-10:30 a.m. prior to services. Interment-Bountiful City Cemetery.