Eleanor L. Smith

SMITH ELEANOR LORRAINE (NEE COOK) of Detroit passed away January 26, 2014 at the age of 85. Eleanor was born in1929 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Elwood and Viola Cook. She grew up in Detroit's North End and graduated from Northern High School in 1946. She is a descend-ant of one of Detroit's oldest African-American settlers who were active in the Underground Railroad. She studied music at the Detroit Conservatory of Music. Her father was a member of the renowned McKinney Cotton Pickers and her grandfather, Charles Hunter, composed music with W. C. Handy (St. Louis Blues). Her children and grandchildren also excel in the performing arts. Cookie and her late husband George W. Smith Jr, were married in 1949 at St. Matthews Episcopal Church, especially enjoyed family picnics at Belle Isle, the Nacirema Club, the family Turkey Farm in Canada and her Bridge club. George enjoyed a distinguished career as AFSCME Local Union President and as a supervisor of Youth Counselors for Wayne County Youth Home. While raising four of her five children in the early 1950's, Eleanor earned her Bachelor's and Master Degrees in Social Work from Wayne State University. She began her professional career as teacher with the Detroit's Russell Elementary School. Later she began a 34 year career with the Michigan Department of Social Services as a Social Work administrator. In the early 60's she gave birth to her fifth child Viola. She continued to excel in her career becoming a lead Administrator for the State of Michigan. At her retirement in 1991, Governor Engler congratulated her for "outstanding achievements and hard work for the people of Michigan". Eleanor was an avid reader with a deep concern for the education of children. She was a staunch donor and supporter of multiple organizations including: The Wright Museum, Detroit Historical Society, Detroit Public Library, Detroit Institute of Arts, National Assn. of Social Workers and the Detroit Zoo. In 1999 she was honored by the Detroit City Council with the Spirit of Detroit Award for her outstanding endeavors. Eleanor treasured most her community service with the Original Willing Workers, Appoline Block Club, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (of which she was a Golden lifetime member) and the St. Agnes Guild of St. Matthew's & St. Joseph's Episcopal Church. Eleanor journeys into the sunset with so much class, so much pride, and much heart. She was a genuine beauty, undefined and left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her. Her husband George of 35 years and son George Wesley (Detroit Transit Police Officer) preceded her in death. Eleanor is survived by her children: Richard E. Smith, M.D. (Gail), Deborah L. McClain, Esq., Frederick Smith, Esq. (Kathy) and SFC (Ret) Viola Smith; brother Ronald Cook (Rilla); brother-in-law Edgar (Lillian) Smith; eight grand-children, five great-grandchildren: Services were held January 31, 2014 at St. Matthews & Joseph's Episcopal Church.
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