Simone Smith Obituary
Mademoiselle Simone Chappert may have been a native of Paris, France where she was born on August 10th, 1926, but fate stepped in at the end of WWII when a handsome and charming young Army Private named Truman Smith captured and won her heart. After a whirlwind courtship they married and lived in France until December, 1948. When Truman's enlistment ended, hoping for a better life, they boarded a small Military Air Transport Service Plane, hopped the Atlantic Ocean, and landed at Westover Field in Chicapee, Massachusetts on their way back to Truman's home State of Alabama. That twist of fate launched Simone, at age twenty-two, into a life of which she had never dreamt.
Along with mastering the English language, Simone was soon touted as an exemplary cook blending her culinary skills of Parisian cuisine with down-home "Southern cookin". Family and friends often raved over many dishes but she was especially known for her ability to take a cheap cut of meat and turn it into a dish fit to be served at the finest occasion. That love of cooking was passed on to her daughter, who in turn, prepares and serves some of the finest meals many have had the pleasure to enjoy.
But, to say Simone was best known for just one or two things, would be to dishonor her legacy. She loved her church, singing in the choir, fellowship with friends, working at Regions Bank, living at the lake and her and Truman's two best friends, Tots and Clarence, who were like a brother and sister to them. Most importantly, and without a doubt, she loved every moment she spent with her grandsons.
Simone loved life and her family and dotted on each and every one of them but especially her two respectful children whom she leaves behind. Dan, who finally returned home after being away for 46 years, and Denise and her husband, Greg, who Dan said for years will have all the stars in their crown. Three grandsons, Oliver and his wife, Kristen, who reside in Atlanta , and their son, Max, Gavin , his wife Niki, and their children Lily and Emery Cate, and Grant and his wife, Katie, and their children Sylvie and James Grant.
When Simone began to decline, Denise and Greg insisted she live with them where she was treated as royalty until the very end when she slipped from a deep sleep into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior.
Waiting for her at Heaven's Gate will be her beloved family, husband and love of her life, Truman, infant daughter, Patricia, parents, Marie-Louise and August Chappert and brother, Roger, along with many other relatives and friends. What a day of rejoicing that will be!
Simply said... Madame Simone Marie-Louise Augustine Chappert Smith was someone quite special as evidenced by all the lives she touched. It has been said that "When you express the emotion of love you create happiness and joy within yourself..." That sense of happiness and joy within Simone, our mother, our Nana, is felt in the legacy she leaves behind to all her family and friends. A legacy of love and laughter and the adventure and spirit of living a blessed life.
Visitation will be Sunday, June 4th, 2017 from 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home, 1591 Gadsden Hwy, Birmingham, AL 35235.
Service to follow immediately after Visitation.
Burial at Jefferson Memorial Gardens
August 10, 1926 - June 2, 2017
