Georgia Bateman Smith

Georgia Bateman Smith passed away quietly on April 16, 2024, from age related causes, completing a life of 89 full and devoted years, caring for her husband and her family, and for so many of her friends and neighbors.  She was a light in the lives of all who knew her.  She is survived by her husband, Lehi Tingen Smith with whom she enjoyed 68 years of devoted wedded bliss, by four sons, David (wife Kellie), Mark (wife Shelly), Thane (wife Jean) and Kent (wife Julie), by 17 grandchildren, and by 22 great-grandchildren.  She also spent many years of her life leading and building the lives of children besides her own, while serving over 25 years in all positions in the Primary organization of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  She made many willing sacrifices in her life, allowing her husband to pursue his own career.  She was born in a maternity home in Tempe, Arizona, the daughter of George M. Bateman and Florence Harris Bateman, and lived in Tempe and Mesa most of her life.  She also lived in California for limited intervals of time during her life.  She was a quiet, forgiving, and caring friend to her students with whom she worked during her restricted career teaching in public schools.  She was truly a gentle soul.  She always exhibited natural tendencies to be kind and caring towards one and all, friends as well as strangers, those tendencies so many of us others strive all our lives to develop.  She will be sorely missed by her family and so many friends and associates.  Funeral services will be held Saturday April 27, 2024, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel at 1345 East University Drive Mesa, AZ 85203. Viewing at 9:00A, Service at 10A. Her body will be interred at the Mesa City Cemetery.