Mable Margaret Smith

Mrs. Mable Margaret Smith, age 92 of Jonesboro, died at 4:17 a.m. Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at Marion VA Medical Center. She was born on December 28, 1923 in Memphis, TN the daughter of Edward and Letha Mettille (Kelly) Hellengreen. She married Leroy Smith on February 16, 1957 in Dixon, IL. Mable is survived by her children, Bonnie (Tom) Riston of Tamms, Tom (Angie) Smith of Jonesboro, Micki Smith of Grand Chain, and Staci (John) Dunn of Cobden; seven grandchildren, Danni Riston of Blytheville, AR, Tyler Duarte of San Antonio, TX, Tyler (Sissy) Townley of Anna, Meghan Smith of Jonesboro, Brandon Smith of Grand Chain, Bailee Smith of Grand Chain, and Marlee Smith of Jonesboro; great grandchild, Danny Lynn Riston of Blytheville, AR; one brother, Edmond Hellengreen of Ottawa; all her special friends at Cache Valley Assisted Living in Ullin, other relatives and many friends.She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Leroy Smith; one brother, Arthur Hellengreen and one granddaughter, Melody Smith. Mable proudly served in the military WAC (Womens Army Corp) in WWII. She was one of the 1st women to serve within the ranks of the United States Army where she was a truck driver and mechanic. In the early 1970's she owned and operated the Bald Knob Café in Alto Pass. Mable worked as a tech at the Manteno State Hospital, and at the Anna State Hospital as a housekeeper. After raising her children, Mable went back to work in the early 1990's and worked for the Sunshine Inn kitchen and delivered Meals onWheels program. She also worked for Addus Healthcare and Shawnee Development as a home caregiver. Mable always joked about how most of her clients she cared for were much younger than herself. Mable was a feisty and hardworking lady and worked right up until she was in her 80's. Funeral services for Mrs. Mable Margaret Smith will be at 1:00 p.m. Friday, May 20, 2016 in the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro with Clark Short officiating. Interment will be in the Jonesboro Cemetery. Graveside military rites will be conducted by the Carroll P. Foster Post #3455 of the VFW in Anna and the Illinois Army National Guard Military Honors Team of Marion. Friends may call after 11:00 a.m. and until the service hour at 1:00 pm on Friday, May 20, 2016 in the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro. Memorial contributions may be made to the Illinois Veterans Home Activity Fund. Envelopes will be available in the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro.