Mrs. Smith hails from the small picturesque town of Mandeville, Louisiana, nestled on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain. She was born on January 17, 1915, the daughter of the late, George E. Reine, Sr. and Ernestine Mary Pizzetta Reine who traded for basketry and herbs with the Choctaws Indians of Bayou Lacombe. As a young child she only spoke French. Her mother, desiring that she would fit in with the other children coached her until she became proficient in English, as well. She was raised in the Catholic faith. Nee was blessed with two younger siblings, a brother and sister whom she adored. She married Kenneth Hill and they had two children Nereus Rose Hill and Kenneth Duane Hill. Her children were the joy of her life, and when they presented her with four grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and finally one great-great-grandchild she felt she was the most blessed mother in the world. As a young adult, Nee worked as a telephone switchboard operator and progressed through the ranks to a ship-to-shore operator with the American Telegraph and Telephone Company. She was a member of the Pioneers of America for retired AT&T employees. Later in life she enjoyed a second marriage to Roy Smith and they lived happily in Mandeville until his passing. Having lived through the Great Depression she lived a simple life. She worked diligently to support her family. Through the years Nee was a huge fan of Ford automobiles! After the passing of her son-in-law, Morris Miller in 1087, she shared her home with her vision impaired daughter, Rose. Nee and Rose kept each other company until Rose’s passing. She then relocated to Georgia to be near her son Kenneth. She enjoyed traveling to many locations in the United States and created a happy, fun filled experience for all who traveled with her. Having been born in the land of Mardi Gras was the perfect place for Nee, as she loved life to its fullest and was always the life of the party. In 2015 she celebrated her 100 birthday surrounded by family and friends, and was presented a special commendation by the City of Franklin Georgia by Mayor, Joel Rogers. She attributes her long life to, living life to the fullest, hard work, and a loving and supportive family. She will be missed by all who knew her.
She is survived by one son, Kenneth Hill (Lynn) of Roopville, GA.; grandson, Walter Miller (Jamie) of Gulf Port, MS.; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her parents George E. Reine Sr. and Ernestine Mary Pizzetta Reine; two husbands, Kenneth Hill and Roy Smith; and her beloved daughter, Rose Hill Miller.