Ann Elizabeth Smith

"I Come To The Garden Alone"
"As I awoke this blessed day, it was different I must say.  Early AM, a warm breeze so gentle and sweet with instruments playing – "Kneel to my feet" for your lease is complete! With a shout, he gave his angels command, go get Ann! In a flash, I was in his hand being set in that promise land."

Ann E. Smith , 84, of Westminster, MD, formerly of Keymar, MD, went home with a shout to join her awaited heavenly family.  She loved her Lord and Savior for her entire life.  A mother to all, a friend to many, and a good neighbor.  A strong and resilient woman with a soft voice to heal the broken hearted.  Love was the key that I carried that fit all situations. "If he goes before me, whom shall I fear!" Psalms 27:1

Ann was born on April 2, 1940, in Frederick County, MD.  She was the daughter of the late Adam W. and Florence Virginia Smith.  Ann was one of five children.  There were two brothers, Francis and Rodney Smith, and two sisters: Mary Jane Carty and Ruth Rhodes.  Her sisters were her angels by her side!

Her loving son, Raymond, was her caretaker for almost 15 years.  A bond that will never be broken.  She is survived by her five children. Her 3 daughters: Elizabeth and husband Ron, Anita and husband David, all of Georgia, Debbie and husband Paul of Mechanicsville, MD, and 2 sons: Raymond of Manchester, MD, and Elwood of Taneytown, MD, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and a special bonus son: Ronald Wike.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents, her lifelong love, Raymond E. Wike, the father of all her children, 3 sons: Andy, Scott, and Luke, and friends: Genny Reckley and her beloved pastor, Wade Sandridge of EBC.

Ann attended Elmer Wolfe School in Union Bridge, MD.  She left school at an early age to enter the working field to put food on the table for her siblings.  She was employed for 70 years as a farm and factory worker.  Her early years began in the rubber and clothing factories.  While at home, she worked two farms, feeding livestock, and gathering eggs.  She then went on to work for Random house full time, and a vet tech, and finally the ARK of Westminster for special needs children. "Mom always said, let the little ones speak, they have something important to say too."

She was a member of Morning Star Family Church of Thurmont, MD.  She loved Donna and Wade Sandridge with all her heart and spoke of them often, and how they could preach with such on fire-spirit filled services.  She said Wade covered the whole book and never left anything out!  She was so admired of how tall this man was.  Wade had a heart of gold.  In her later years, because of disabilities, she attended Crosswinds Church in Westminster, MD.  A closer body of believers of her faith.  She enjoyed the in-home bible studies and numerous friends she made there.  She served as a prime minister and visited nursing homes and hospitals.  She also sent cards of encouragement her entire life.  She gave without saying a word.

In her retirement community, she would lead bible study and would always pray for many in the open.

In her early years, she collected S&H Green Stamps.  She sold AVON with high sales.  She also sold Sarah Coventry, collected dishes and dish towels from inside soap powder boxes, hosted many home interior parties, and sold girl scout cookies.  She enjoyed being involved.

Mom often threw a meal together without thought.  Making homemade biscuits and pancakes from scratch.  Many of the meals were made from the top of the wood stove.  Mom's homemade cakes would have received a grand champion ribbon if judged.  Often making coconut, red velvet, and chocolate mayonnaise cakes.

Other items of mention were scrapbooking, her rose gardens, and flower beds.  She often spoke to her plants and animals as if they had a soul.  She built a bond with sweet Margaret Smith, Shirley Williams, Joyce and Marty, Brenda, and Betty and Gloria.

A celebration of life will be held at "Morningstar Family Church" 14698 Albert Staub Road, Thurmont, MD 21788, with officiating Pastor Donna Sandridge, on Saturday, April 5, at 11 am.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in honor of Ann's Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and his work to the Morningstar Family Church in Thurmont, MD.

"Dear Lord, give us peace and all understanding in this passing.  Carry us until you bring us home!"

Amen and Amen.

Arrangements are by the ECKHARDT FUNERAL CHAPEL, P.A., Manchester, MD.