Elsie Smith Caldwell

Elsie Smith Caldwell went to rest in the arms of her Lord on Friday, February 5, 2010.

She was the daughter of the late Verdie Ann Simpson Smith and Jessie Smith. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Carson Caldwell; and five brothers, Billy T. Smith, Calvin Smith, Earl Smith, Raymond Smith, and Hughie Smith.

She is survived by two daughters, Portia Caldwell Callahan of Church Hill and Linda Callahan and husband Carl of Church Hill; three granddaughters, Sarah Rose Callahan Brown and husband Paul of Knoxville, Rachel Callahan of Church Hill, and Jennifer Callahan of Asheville, NC; one great-grandson, Adam Nicholas Brown of Knoxville; one sister, Lotus Arnold of Church Hill; three brothers, Roosevelt Smith of Rogersville, Jessie Smith Jr. of Limestone, and David L. Smith and wife JoAnn of Kingsport; four sisters-in-law, Wanda Smith of Church Hill, Louise Smith of Rogersville, Marie Smith of Rogersville, and Evelyn Skelton of Church Hill; and several nieces and nephews.

Mother was born in Hawkins County on May 10, 1923, and spent her lifetime in the community of Christian's Bend. She accepted Christ as her personal Saviour at an early age. She joined Christian's Bend Free Will Baptist Church when she was twelve years old, where she worshiped and served the Lord as long as her health permitted.

She worked closely with the generations of children who grew up in the church as their Sunday School teacher and Bible School director and teacher. As the director of many church Christmas programs, she always presented the complete meaning of Christmas by sharing the full story of the birth, death, and resurrection of Christ.

She was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt. Mother cherished each member of her family and enjoyed sharing stories of the past with each of us. We were blessed to have her pass on her memories and will carry them in our hearts always.

Mother was the owner and operator of Caldwell's Grocery from 1954 until 1974 where she not only worked, but enjoyed the fellowship of her friends and neighbors.

After becoming bedfast, she still rejoiced in the Lord those last years. We could hear her singing her favorite old hymns, "Rock of Ages," "I've Been Waiting Lord To Go," "How Beautiful Heaven Must Be," and others that gave voice to her testimony of faith. Now she is truly at rest and peace with her Lord.

Mother will lie in repose from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Monday at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes, Kingsport. Services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Monday at the funeral home with Reverend Jesse Hartgrove and Reverend Ed Maynard officiating.

Burial will follow at Christian's Bend Cemetery with family serving as pallbearers.