Obituary of Genie Smith

Eugenia “Genie” Lee Smith, 80, of Doniphan, MO, departed this life Sunday, November 19, 2023, at the Phil and Flo Jones Hospice in Jonesboro, AR. She was born March 2,1943, in Independence, MO, to the late Eugene and Zola (Snyder) Browning.

Genie was a city girl who came from a banking/finance background and moved to Doniphan after her marriage to Dennis Smith in 1964. She epitomized hard work and selfless service retiring after 50 years at the helm of her successful floral business, Plaza Flowers, which she ran with the help of her husband. Over her career, she served as an area chairman for FTD, approving store openings in three states and also taught floral design. Genie is the only known florist who started up a business and owned and operated it herself for more than five decades. In addition to being an accomplished businesswoman, she is also a former educator, philanthropist, and member of MENSA. Among her other projects, Genie faithfully served her congregation of Emmanuel Baptist Church as organist for 58 years, served on the library board member, and had been a member of BPW (Business and Professional Women) Club. She was honored for her dedication to her work and the community by being selected to be the head of the Doniphan Chamber of Commerce Labor Day Parade in September, 2023.

Surviving is her husband, Dennis Smith; son, Terry (Monya) Smith of Atlanta, GA; a brother, Mark (Penny) Browning of Independence, MO; and three grandchildren, Ryan, Connor, and Garrett.

In addition to her parents, Genie was preceded in death by two brothers, Dennis Browning and Wayne Browning.

Visitation will be held in the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel on Friday, November 24, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The funeral service will be at the funeral home on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. Brother Jim Cooper will be officiating, and burial will be in the Doniphan City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Genie’s name to the Doniphan-Ripley County Library, 207 Locust Street, Doniphan, MO  63935.