Margaret Muriel Smith

Margaret Muriel Smith, 84, longtime resident of Lake City, passed away on Saturday, December 15, 2018 at Solaris HealthCare. Born in Concord, Australia to the late George and Evelyn Smith, Margaret later moved to the United States to join her sister and brother-in-law, Eileen and Roy Sloan, in Lake City.

Ms. Smith was actively involved in a number of charitable organizations, including the Lake City Humane Society.  Margaret was also the driving force behind the development and expansion of the Lake City Animal Shelter, after volunteering and joining the board in 1980.  A tireless advocate for animal welfare, she was the shelter Director for many years and was known to bring her work home with her; fostering pets and wildlife in need of extra care.  She opened her heart and home to care for everything from kittens, to birds, to raccoons, and even baby deer.  Following her retirement, Margaret was honored for 27 years of service and received the Sarah Hope Award, in 2010.

A member of the First United Methodist Church of Lake City, she will be sadly missed by her family and many devoted friends.  Affectionately known as Auntie, Margaret is survived by her niece, Darlene Sloan Manthey, Lake City; great-nieces, Julie Gooch (John), Ashburn, VA, Jennifer Rylander, Jacksonville, and great-nephew Gregory Manthey, Jacksonville. 

A graveside funeral service will be held Saturday, December 22, 2018, at 1:00 P.M., at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery.  A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held in the New Year in the Fellowship Hall of the First United Methodist Church of Lake City at 973 S Marion St., at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Lake City at, 973 S Marion St., Lake City, FL 32025.

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