opal flora (smitherman) mabe
PHOENIX, AZ - Opal Smitherman
Mabe, died on October 2 at her home in Phoenix, Arizona, after dealing
valiantly with a number of illnesses in recent years. She would have
turned 95 later this month. She was born in Winston-Salem to Jether A.
and Flora Livengood Smitherman. Her husband, James Dewey Mabe, who died
in 2007, was a Stokes County native. For the benefit of a child with
asthma, they moved to Phoenix in 1960 to continue raising their family.
They often returned in the summers to visit with relatives and old
friends at the farmhouse they bought in Sandy Ridge. Their children are
Katherine Brennan (Bert) of Greensboro, Edward Mabe (Carol) of
Jamestown, Calif., Jettie Mitchell and Elaine (Kurt) Sprinzl of
Phoenix, along with eight grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
Five of Mrs. Mabe's siblings have died: J.A. Smitherman Jr., Robert Lee
Smitherman, Jean Smitherman Gesteland, Evelyn Smitherman Sparks and
Dorothy Smitherman Nelson. Surviving are a sister, Joan Dawson of
Winston-Salem, and a brother, R. Wesley Smitherman of Jamestown. A
devout Christian, Mrs. Mabe represented Jesus well, witnessing to his
saving grace to family, neighbors and countless children through Good
News Club meetings in her home through the years. While being a devoted
wife, mother and grandmother, she tirelessly researched her family
history and wrote three books about the Smithermans and Livengoods.
Because of her faith and example, her family was at peace with her
homegoing. They knew her to be a true daughter of the King. Burial
arrangements are incomplete. (A.L. Moore-Grimshaw Mortuaries Bethany
Chapel 602 249 2111)