Kathryn Davis Smithers

Kathryn Jane Davis (Kay) Smithers of Gainesville, FL, passed away at home with her family by her side March 18. She was born in Gouverneur, NY, March 12, 1920. She was preceded in death by her parents Lee B. and Julia Fortune Davis, and a sister, Alice Ann Davis. She met her future husband Robert M. Smithers at Pine Camp, now Fort Drum, NY, during World War II. They were married November 7, 1945 in Antwerp, New York. She lived in Winter Haven, FL, Mason City, IA, and then in Pompano Beach, Florida for over 30 years. Kay worked for Frank H. Furman Insurance for 20 years. She was President of Insurance Women of Broward County in 1970-1971. She was a member of St. Coleman's Parish in Pompano Beach. Kay moved to Gainesville in 1985. She was an avid Gator baseball fan and a member of the Gator Dugout Club. She was also a member of the Newcomers Club, Bridge Clubs, and Book Club. She was a member of the National Ataxia Foundation and volunteered at North Florida Regional Medical Center. She was a one time President of the Catholic Women's Deanery and was a parishioner at Queen of Peace Catholic Church. She traveled extensively throughout the world with good friends Carolyn Hoffman and Vinnie Scaringelli. She is survived by her sons Robert M. Smithers Jr. (Mary) of Gainesville, Charles D. Smithers (Gail) of Cordova, TN, and John R. Smithers of Jacksonville, FL, her sister, Rosemary Davis Foy of Deer River, NY, grandchildren Christopher, Andrew, Chad, Catherine, Kevin and Laura Smithers,and great-grandchildren Cole, Mason, and Gavin Smithers and seven nieces and nephews. The family wishes to give special thanks to caregivers Gerri Detrick, Carmen Belle, and Charlene Rigby. Flowers are welcome, and for those who wish, donations in her name may be made to the National Ataxia Foundation, 2600 Fernbrook Lane, Suite 119, Minneapolis, MN 55447 The family will receive friends at Forest Meadows Funeral Home from 5-7 PM with a Rosary being said at 6:45 PM on Thursday, March 21, 2013. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 10900 SW 24th Ave, Gainesville, at 12:00 P.M. at on Friday March 22nd, 2013. Internment will be at Pompano Beach Cemetery, Pompano Beach, FL, on Saturday March 23rd at 11:30 A.M. Arrangements are in the care of Forest Meadows Funeral Home (352)378-2528.

Kathryn Davis Smithers

March 19, 2013