Christine Smith

Christine Kennedy Smith died at home on May 7, 2022 in Mahomet, Illinois, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on July 31, 1932 to Hugh Hamilton and Christine Cowan Kennedy in Chattanooga, Tennessee and was preceded in death by her husband of fifty-nine years, Mark A. Smith. Christine is survived by her son Hugh (Ellen) Smith of Palatine, Illinois and their children, Ian Smith and Anja Zimmer (Noah), and son Mark (Kate) Smith of Mahomet, Illinois and their children, Molly Smith and Nathan Smith. Christine received a BA from Samford University and an MA from Tulane University, both in mathematics. She was a mathematics instructor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and at the University of Tennessee. She also taught part-time at the University of South Alabama. While at the University of Tennessee, Christine completed a course in data processing systems at the Computing Center and worked as a research assistant in quantitative methods. This was at a time when computing was only first becoming accessible to researchers at the university. Christine enjoyed classical music (she studied both piano and violin), but art was always her first love. Whenever possible, she took art courses and sought out notable art museums when accompanying her husband on overseas business trips. Her favorite means of artistic expression were assemblage and mixed media. After moving to Mobile, Alabama Christine joined the Mobile Art Association, eventually becoming its president. She also served a term on the Board of the Mobile Museum of Art (MMoA). She exhibited her artwork in several juried shows, for which she regularly received awards. Among these was a twelve-man show at the MMoA. Christine was also given a number of one-man shows, including one near Chicago, Illinois. However, it was her solo exhibition at the MMoA that pleased her most. She is represented in the museums permanent collection. Longtime residents of Mobile, Christine and Mark moved to Mahomet in 2017 to be closer to family. Christines years in Illinois were filled with quality time spent with her husband, sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, and her much-loved "granddogs," Sophie and Rosie. In her last year, she was cared for by a team of caregivers, whom she loved as family. Christine was a firm believer in Jesus Christ and attended Grace Church in Mahomet when circumstances permitted. Memorial contributions may be made to an organization of the donors choice.