Ellen Theis Smedley

Ellen Theis Smedley, 89, of Jacksonville, FL passed away on November 1, 2015. Ellen started her life's journey in Germany, being born in the town of Solingen on January 16th, 1926. When she was only a year old, along with her parents, Max and Johanne Theis, the family made their way to Hamburg and boarded a steamship bound for America. They came through Ellis Island, NY as many immigrants did in those days. With family and friends already living in Florida they made their way here and settled on a chicken farm in Hilliard, FL. Eventually the family moved to the northside of Jacksonville where she and her sister Lore grew up and attended Andrew Jackson Senior High School. Ellen was voted Most Studious of her senior class and graduated in 1944. After working for a short time with The Prudential Insurance Co. in downtown Jacksonville, she met and married a police officer and became a homemaker, wife, and mother. Ellen gleaned a tremendous amount of joy from gardening and keeping her yard alive with flowers almost all year round. Mrs. Smedley is preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Estel Ray Smedley, her sister, Lore Theis Stanton, and her beloved parents, Max and Johanne Theis. Survivors include her two loving daughters, Nancy Smedley Sands and husband Max of Valkaria, FL and Susan Smedley Higgins and husband Aron of Jacksonville, FL . Along with two granddaughters, Lisa Stephenson and husband Chris of Pinehurst, NC and Angela Sands Barden of Palm Bay, FL; and five great-granddaughters, Katelynn and Shalynn King and Danielle, Michelle, and Gabrielle Barden. Also surviving are two step-granddaughters, Shelby and Alyson Higgins. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 2:00 PM from cryptside in Evergreen's Garden Cloister Mausoleum (Gate #1 ) with Pastor Perry Fruscella officiating. The family will receive friends Tuesday (Today) from 5-7 PM at the George H. Hewell and Son Funeral Home, 4747 Main Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904)355-9545..VisitationTuesday, November 3, 201505:00 PM - 07:00 PM George H. Hewell and Son Funeral Home4747 Main StreetJacksonville, FL 32206EntombmentWednesday, November 4, 2015 Evergreen Cemetery4535 N Main StreetJacksonville, FL 32206CryptsideWednesday, November 4, 201502:00 PM Evergreen Cemetery4535 N Main StreetJacksonville, FL 322064140 University Blvd S Jacksonville, FL 32216 f: 904-739-81594747 Main St N Jacksonville, FL 32206 f: 904-353-0763