Florence Josephine Smith (Hagemeyer), aged 90, passed away peacefully on June 13, 2026, at her home in Caledonia, MS. Born on January 18, 1936, in Starkville, Mississippi, to Hassie Lemmons Hagemeyer and 1st Lt Lawrence Allen Hagemeyer, Florence lived a long and fulfilling life surrounded by family and love. Florence was the beloved wife of the late James D. Smith, with whom she shared an extraordinary 70 years of marriage. Together, they built a life filled with devotion and cherished memories. She was a proud and loving mother to her son James A. Smith (Susan) and her daughters Sherron A. Moore (Terry); Sandra M. Smith-Hitt (Drew),and Jacqueline C. Huttenhoff (Kevin). Florence’s legacy continues through her eight grandchildren and nine great- grandchildren,who brought immense joy to her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters Jessie C. McDonald and Jacqueline Berch. Florence’s memory will be treasured by all who knew her. May her life serve as an enduring source of those she leaves behind. Pall bearers with be her grandsons and nephews, James Wyatt Hitt, Christopher Smith, Lawrence Huttenhoff, Deon Bradley, Nick Davison, Kenneth Berch . Honorary pallbearers are Herman Smith, Lamar Bradley, John McNeil, Mason Myatt and Jonathan Hitt.

The family would like to thank all of the staff of Legacy Hospice who cared for Mom’s every need and supported her caregivers, especially Amy Williams, Dr. Cameron Huxford, Dr Mitchell Moffett and her very special angels over the past 4 years, Hattie Bradley Blair and LaSandra Powers Miller.

A Celebration of Life will be held on June 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at New Salem Baptist Church, 7086 Wolfe Rd.,Caledonia, burial will follow at Egger Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service at the church.

Florence enjoyed all types of music which she shared with her family. She played the piano and played French Horn during her school days in Starkville. Florence sang in choir at church as well as joining in choruses over the years. Even though illness kept her from participating herself, she would spend many hours listening to and singing her favorite love songs and church hymns with her children. Her memorial service will be in the form of a hymn-sing and celebration of life.

In lieu of flowers, Florence would prefer that donations be made to M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, St Jude’s or the building or mission fund at New Salem Baptist Church.