October 9, 1929 - July 27, 2024 Mary "Dorene" Smith, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at the age of 94. Dorene was born in Bloomington, IL, to George L. Bane and Lucile Builta Bane, where she grew up on the family farm.
During her early years, she developed a love for music, playing piano and organ for the Ellsworth Methodist Church and playing in a family band. These early experiences fostered a lifelong appreciation for music. On March 29, 1947, she married Lester E.
Smith, her beloved husband. The couple shared 35 years together, traveling often to Pensacola Beach with dear friends. Lester E.
Smith preceded her in death. Dorene's life was characterized by her strong work ethic and dedication to her community. In 1956, Dorene joined Second Presbyterian Church, where she served as a Deacon where she enjoyed preparing Communion.
Her loyalty and faithfulness were evident not only in her church life but also in her professional career, where she worked at Kroger for an impressive 29 years. Her stubborn nature was matched only by her loyalty to those she loved. She is survived by her siblings, Harlan Bane and Eleanor Barclay.
Dorene was the mother of Terry Lee (Mary) Smith, Sherry Lou (Tom) Claggett, and Sally Annette (Bill) Cummins; grandmother of Jason (Liz) Smith, Katie Smith, Kristen Claggett, Megan (David) VanGorder, and the late Sara Cummins; great-grandmother of Delilah Smith, Charlotte Smith, Lilly Smith, Asa VanGorder, Harrison VanGorder, and Simon VanGorder. The family would like to thank Luther Oaks staff for their loving care in her final years. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at 11:00 a.
m., at Second Presbyterian Church in Bloomington, IL. The organ and piano will resonate through the sanctuary in worship, as we celebrate her long and beautiful life.
Well done, good and faithful servant. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Second Presbyterian Church. Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences may be made to www.calvertmemorial.com .
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