Earla Smith

Earla Beatrice Smith, age 90, of Royal Oak, died March 23, 2009 at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak. She was born December 19, 1918 in Royal Oak. Miss Smith started her career by teaching English during the consolidation of the Troy School District in September of 1941. At that time, the District was known as the Troy Consolidated Rural Agriculture School District FR1. She attended Wayne State University from 1937-1940 and received her master's degree from the University of Michigan in 1945. She retired as District Guidance Director in 1989 spending most of those years at Troy High School. She served on the Troy Foundation for Educational Excellence from 1991-2005 in many different capacities. She was a past member of the Oakland County Counseling Association and a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Royal Oak. Miss Smith served the District with much dedication and loyalty. She influenced many Troy School District students in numerous aspects of their lives, not the least of which included making career choices and selecting educational avenues. She received numerous awards and recognitions, both before and after her retirement, for her work with students in the counseling arena. Miss Smith is survived by her cousins, Kevin D. McKinney of Snellville, GA, Kendal J. McKinney of Windsor, Ontario, Irene Hone nee Tyler of North Bay, Ontario and Carol Atwood. She was preceded in death by her fiancé Bud Judd; cousins, Marjorie E. McKinney nee Hickson and Dorothy Greenslade nee White; and parents, Rose Smith nee Hickson and James B. Smith, one of the founders of the First Presbyterian Church of Royal Oak. Visitation will be held Thursday 2 - 9 p.m. at Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, 705 W Eleven Mile Road 4 blks. E of Woodward, Royal Oak. Miss Smith will lie in state Friday 10 a.m. until the time of service 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Royal Oak. Burial will take place at Oakview Cemetery in Royal Oak. Memorials to the Earla B. Smith Foundation would be appreciated. Share your memories at www.sullivanfuneraldirectors.com.