Lois Jean Smart

Lois was born March 3, 1932, in Highland Springs, Va., the daughter of Charles and Pearl (Sullivan) Hornberger. She was a longtime member of Blessed Hope Baptist Church in Escanaba. Lois worked for many years at St. Francis Hospital, JC Penney and was known as the “singing elevator lady” at the Fair Store for many years.

Lois loved reading all of her life. She acquired a vast collection of novels and had a great network of like-minded friends with whom to share books. She was very artistic….sewing garments when her children were young, sketching and wood burning were among her passions. She loved music and would make a “joyful” noise at the least provocation. Tuesday evenings were set aside for going to the Retro Station for country music night. She loved riding her tricycle around her block on warm summer days sporting a floppy sun hat and tall green plaid rubber boots. She was a loving and giving soul and will be sorely missed by her children, church family and her many friends.

Lois is survived by her children, Linda Jo Reese of Escanaba, Connie (Stephen) Rademacher of Ford River, Mary Lee Madalinski of Naples, Fla., and Michael (Stephanie) Smart of Douglas, Wy.; 10 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild on the way and her sisters, Charlotte Emerson of Glouster, Va., and Mary Duggan of Pasadena, Texas.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Hallie Lee Littier.

The family will receive friends on Thursday July 18, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Blessed Hope Baptist Church, 2530 14th Ave. S., Escanaba. Memorial services will follow at 4 p.m. with Pastor Lewis Hague officiating. A luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall. Lois will be laid to rest in the Gardens of Rest Cemetery in Wells.

The Smart family is being assisted by the Skradski Family Funeral Home in Escanaba. For additional information or to leave the family a message of condolence, go to http://www.skradskifuneralhomes.com.