Lena Mae Smith (Mitchell), 77, passed away Saturday, October 22, 2016 peacefully surrounded by her loving family. Lena was born August 20, 1939 in Franklin, WV to the late Madeline Sinnett Mitchell and Cecil Mitchell.

Growing up in the beautiful mountains of West Virginia, Lena graduated from Franklin High School. At the young age of eighteen, she married the love of her life, Sheldon A. Smith, Sr. in August 1957. Shortly after marrying, Lena and Sheldon moved to Newark, DE to begin their new life together. They were blessed with four children and thirty-nine years of marriage before Sheldon passed away in 1996.

Lena is survived by her children Teresa Asman (Tim) and Pam Whitmer (Keith) all of Middletown, DE. She was predeceased by her beautiful baby daughter Connie Mae in December 1959, and very recently lost her beloved son Sheldon, Jr. in October 2014.

Lena's husband and her children were her greatest joy and she centered her life around them. Her focus was always on providing a loving, safe place to call home and she accomplished that hands down. Her home was a gathering place for family and friends and all felt welcome who came to visit. She was an excellent cook, and many still reminisce about their favorite dishes especially her incredible desserts. The holidays were always full of love and tradition, something her family always looked forward to. Many of Those traditions are carried forward today with hopes they will continue on through the generations.

Lena came from a large family and was the oldest of her eight brothers and sisters. She is survived by brothers and sisters: Harvey Mitchell (Pat) of Ripley, WV, Louella Hairfield (Frank) of Falston, MD, Sandra Whetzel (Clete) of Baltimore, MD, Becky Mowery (Delbert) of Upper Tract , WV, and Darrell Mitchell (Vicki) of Moorefield, WV. She was predeceased by infant twin brothers Jerry Wayne, and Jeral Lane. Although miles separated Lena from her siblings, they still remained close throughout the years. In earlier days, huge family gatherings in West Virginia were a given at Easter, Thanksgiving and Labor Day. To have a feast for thirty was the norm, and Lena was usually the lead cook in the kitchen. In more recent years, Lena so cherished the phone calls from her sisters and brothers that seemed to dissolve the miles between them. Those phone calls helped keep her going, and gave her much happiness. Almost every time you were at mom's house visiting, the phone would be ringing from one of the sisters or brothers. It truly brightened even the toughest days for her recently.

Lena most recently resided in Middletown, DE in a small home built just for her. It was attached to the home of her daughter Teresa and son-in-law Tim. It was cozy and inviting, decorated with the many, many angels she so loved, and her beautiful Christmas tree she kept up all year long. Although her new home was not where the family started, it was still home because that is where mom was - a new home to make more memories with mom in a later chapter of our lives.

The true 'Apples of Lena's eye" were her grandchildren, Justin, Kaitlyn and Ryan. She cherished their visits, hugs, and time with them as much as anything else. She adored them and always wanted to know the details of what they were up to, if she hadn't seen them for a bit. In later years, no matter how she felt, she would light up when one of the came in the door. They would bring a smile to her face and joy to her heart each and every time. A kind and caring Mom Mom she was for sure.

Lena was a caretaker all of her life: from the early days when she helped take care of her younger brothers and sisters, to her own children and then grandchildren. It was her gift and she shared it with many. She took great pride and joy in taking care of her loved ones, and she did so with love. Her life was simple, however, her life was full with family and friends being by far the most important.

Lena will be sadly missed by everyone who knew her. However, we also know she is also at peace and no longer hurting.

In addition to the loved ones above, Lena is survived by beloved daughter-in-law, Donna Kipp-Meyer, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends who always held a special place in her heart - and her birthday buddy and friend, Chelsea Church.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to many who helped care for Lena the last several years: dear friend and caregiver, Simone Barley-Alexander, the entire staff at Freesius Diaylsis center of Middletown, the drivers and staff at Urgent, Mid-Atlantic and CFT Ambulance services, and most recently the staff at The Arbors at New Castle.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, October 29, 2016 at St Paul's United Methodist Church, 406 Main St, Odessa, DE 19730, where family and friends may visit beginning at 1:00 PM. Interment services will be held privately with Lena's family.

In lieu of flowers, donations to defray medical and funeral expenses can be sent to Teresa Asman, C/O Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home, 123 W. Commerce St., Smyrna, DE 19977.

To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.matthewsbryson.com

Arrangements are by Matthews–Bryson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Smyrna.