Alice Lavon Smith

One of Earth’s angels has become an angel in heaven. Alice Lavon Smith passed to her heavenly father on December 29, 2020.  She was born on January 22, 1936 to Mabel and John Pingley of Terra Alta, WV. She graduated from Terra Alta High School, where she was a cheerleader, and had the honor of being a Preston County Buckwheat Princess.

She married her husband, John, on May 16, 1954 and had four loving daughters.  Throughout their many moves around the country, Alice was always there for her children.  She volunteered as a Girl Scout leader, Home Extension leader, and Room Mother, among other things.  A devout Christian, she was very active in her church, Trinity United Methodist- serving as a Stephen Minister, singing in the choir, collating bulletins, working in the food tent at the fair, baking cookies, and whatever else she was called upon to do.  For her greater community she volunteered at Citizens Nursing Home and sang in many concerts at nursing homes with the Golden Tones.

She loved bowling with the Golden Oldies league, golfing, travel, music, dancing and crafts of all kinds. Her greatest passion was her family and friends.  She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, great-grandma and aunt. Alice was predeceased by her beloved husband of 65 years, John Smith,  her five siblings; Myra Pingley, Bill PIngley (Lucille), Virginia McClelland (Horace), Bob Pingley (Agatha), and John Pingley (Helen), and three nephews; Michael Pingley, Johnny Pingley and Robbie Pingley.  She is survived by her four daughters: Lavon Toole (Mike), Jeanene Burke (Patrick), Donna Lee Goldstein (Abram), and Janice Fisher.  She is also survived by seven grandchildren: Maureen, Meaghan, Brian, Gregory, Eileen, Max, and Ryan, four great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.  Due to Covid, the family will hold a private burial at Resthaven Memorial Gardens in Frederick, MD. There will be a memorial service to honor Alice at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, 703 West Patrick Street, Frederick, MD, 21701.