Grace "Truman" Smyth

Grace “Truman” Smyth, age 96, of Battle Creek, passed away on September 28, 2024, at Lakeview Assisted Living. She was born on January 31, 1928 in Louisville, Mississippi, the daughter of Edgar and Francis (Smith) McArthur. Truman graduated from Lamar High School in Houston, Texas in 1945, she then went on to receive her bachelor’s degree from Baylor University in 1949 and master’s degree from Western Michigan University in 1985. Truman worked as a special education teacher for Harper Creek Schools, retiring in 1992. Truman previous lived in Louisville, MS., SanAntonio and Houston, TX., Japan, New York, Waco, Louisville, KY., Cincinnati, OH., and Roseburg, OR. before making her home in Battle Creek. Truman was past president of Michigan State AAUW, Battle Creek Child Guidance, Battle Creek Swim Club, and session member at Westlake Presbyterian Church. Truman enjoyed traveling the world. She also enjoyed painting and photography in her free time. She was united in marriage on December 11, 1952, in Tokyo, Japan to Chaplain Blewett Smyth, he preceded her in death in 1997. She was also preceded in death by her siblings; Carmen Storrie, Madeline Magers and R.C. McArthur. Truman is survived by her children; Blewett (Diana) Smyth of Battle Creek, Rosaltha (Steven) Sevener of Bay City, sister, Jackie Field of Austin, TX, and her grandchildren; Katie and Tabor Smyth. Memorial service will take place at 2:00 p.m., Monday, October 7, 2024 at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home & Cremation Service, where the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will take place next to her husband at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in Texas. Memorial contributions in Truman’s memory may be made to South Central Food Bank. Memories and condolences may be left for the family at www.henryfuneralhome.org