Pauline E. Smith, age 101, of Wooster, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 23, 2026, lovingly surrounded by family and her devoted hospice team. She lived nearly 102 years, and she lived every one of them on her own terms.
Born May 13, 1924, in Gilstrap, Kentucky, Pauline was the third of ten children of Claude and Clara (Tucker) Embry. She is survived by her sole remaining sibling, Leonard Embry of Yucaipa, California. She adored each one of her brothers and sisters, and loved each member of her extended family.
Faith was the cornerstone of Pauline’s long and joyful life. Baptized at the age of twelve, she became the oldest living member of New Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Baizetown, Kentucky.
On October 26, 1940, Pauline was married to Alva C. Smith by L.V. Meadows in Aberdeen, Kentucky. Two days later, the young couple set out for Wooster, Ohio, where they would build a home and a life together for 61 years, until Alva’s passing in 2001.
Pauline treasured her independence. Until just months before her passing, she kept a spotless home, did her own laundry, cooked her own meals, managed her household and rarely missed her standing weekly hair appointment. She was independent, proud to keep her driver’s license current and kept her driving skills sharp. She loved her routine, and it kept her well. She didn’t take life too seriously. She had an infectious giggle that came easily and found humor in just about everything.
Pauline will be best remembered for her faith, that warm sense of humor, her loyalty to neighbors and friends, her devotion to her family, her generosity, her determination, and her fierce independence. And oh, how she loved to talk — she could outtalk us all. And she never hesitated to tell you what she thought about any topic!
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Alva, her infant daughter Margie, and eight of her siblings. She is survived by her two sons, Glendon C. Smith of Marco Island, Florida, and Adrain L. Smith of Chapin, South Carolina; her four grandchildren, Jodi Lewis of Rock Hill, South Carolina, James Michael Smith of Austin, Texas, Patricia Bell of Winter Park, Florida, and Julie Turner of Columbia, South Carolina; and her seven great-grandchildren, Jack and Edward Turner of Columbia, South Carolina, Hadley and Hudson Bell of Winter Park, Florida, Mason Smith of Austin, Texas, Jay Crowder of New York City, and Caroline Crowder of Atlanta, Georgia.
Her family will receive friends on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at McIntire, Bradham, & Sleek Funeral Home in Wooster, with viewing hours from 5–7 p.m. A private entombment service will follow the next morning at Sherwood Memorial Garden Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare, 1900 Akron Rd., Wooster, OH 44691. Condolences and memories may be shared through the Funeral Home’s website.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Hospice, to Christy and Darlene of Safe at Home, and to Denise Buschor, Renee Hershman and Pat Quigley, for the love, dignity, and tender care they gave Pauline in her final days. She was so well loved, right to the very end.
McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster is assisting the family.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
Pauline (aka Mamaw) passed away peacefully at 101, and while a long life is a gift, it still feels difficult to imagine her not being here.
She was fiercely independent, feisty and genuinely one of the funniest people I’ve ever known. She had a sharp wit and I will miss our phone calls about shopping, celebrities and her opinions on absolutely everything. At 101, she still had better comebacks than anyone I know.
She will be she will be greatly missed by so many.
I’m so sorry to learn of Pauline’s passing. My mom and I worked with her years ago at Regal ware. She was so kind and sweet. I know my sister Denise is very saddened about her passing as well. She just loved Pauline! Mom and I send sincere condolences to her family. Love and prayers! Rebecca Fahrni and Donna Thompson
Dear Glenn and Adrian
I was so sorry to hear about your precious Mom.
My Mom and Dad were so blessed by God to have been such close and loving friends with Pauline and Alva.
And we kids were blessed to have them as our parents.
Peace to you both and your families
Your friend
Karen Lincocome
Wow! Obviously a terrific lady who will be much missed! 101 , a long life obviously well lived. Many good memories and she affected many happily and with fun , I am sure.Hang in there.
Best and hugs, Joan2
Adrian, so sorry to read of your mother’s passing. I have memories of she and your father and Jack and I doing social things together back inthe day!
Adrian, I was so sorry to hear about your mother. She was a very special lady.
Sympathy in your mom’s passing…….She was such a unique, energetic and caring person. Sending thoughts of comfort.
Will miss the 1 1/2 hour phone conversations
Dear Adrian, I am so sorry for the loss of your Mother. Mother’s are so special and my thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God give you comfort and peace.
Glenn. Kathleen’s and my thoughts are with you and your family.
Wow. What a lady.
Aunt Pauline was a beautiful lady inside and out. She loved to talk and we always loved talking to her, I can hear her giggle and laughing now! She was always so special to me and Mom and I loved her dearly! I know she had a wonderful welcome when she entered Heaven from all her Brothers and Sisters. She is going to be very missed and she will always be with us in our hearts….. Mom and I love you Aunt Pauline ❤️
I am so sorry for your loss of Pauline. She was such a special lady. My mother Velma said Pauline was her best friend. They had some wonderful times together over the years. Pauline was a gem. Thinking of you during this time. She had a long life. We loved her. Carol, Tom and April Banach.
Glenn and Adrian: So sorry for the loss of your sweet Mother. Your parents and mine were such good friends. Thinking of your entire family at this sad time. I always enjoyed talking to her, and her laughter was infectious. What a long and wonderful life she had. Prayers to all. Joan and Tom