Merita Smith - Rigor

Easton, MD – Merita Anne Smith-Rigor died on May 16, 2010. She was 59 years old. Born in Thomasville, GA on January 29, 1951, she was the daughter of Paul Smith, Sr. and Geneva Lipham Smith. She was a basketball star from 6th grade through her graduation from Thomasville County Central High School in 1969. On April 22, 1972, she married Fred Siljeholm, whom she later divorced. Their daughter, Monica, was born on March 31, 1973. She was followed by her sister, Carla, who was born on February 13, 1979. From 1984 – 1995, she worked for the Soil Conservation Service, surveying and working on wetland projects. She earned her BS in Wildlife Biology from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in 1989. From 1999 – 2010, she worked as a zone manager at Wal-Mart in Thomasville, GA. Ms. Rigor enjoyed many hobbies. She loved being in the outdoors, whether she was working in her garden, hunting, and fishing. She became Scuba certified in 1993, and often went diving, swimming, water skiing and jet skiing. She was a great cook, also enjoyed Japanese food and ice cream. She enjoyed dancing, listening to country music and singing. She also liked riding motorcycles, playing basketball, and running track. Merita was a strong, outgoing person, who had a great sense of humor. She was graceful, loving and intelligent, and she will be greatly missed by those who loved her. She is survived by her parents; her daughters, Monica Jensen and Carla Siljeholm and her son in-law, Dale; her grandchildren, Joey Jensen and Christa Siljeholm; her siblings: Paul Smith, Jr, and his wife, Pam, Ginger Bird, Titus Smith, and Mark Smith; her beloved friend, Fred Siljeholm; and several nieces and nephews. Friends may call at the Allen and Allen Funeral Home in Thomasville, GA on Tuesday, May 25, from 9:00 until 10:45 am. A graveside service will be held at Boston Cemetery in Boston, GA on Tuesday, May 25 at 11:00 am. Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the Talbot Hospice Foundation, 586 Cynwood Dr., Easton, MD 21601; or to the Shore Regional Cancer Center, 509 Idlewild Ave., Easton, MD 21601 Arrangements by Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, PA in Easton, MD. For online tributes, please visit www.fhnfuneralhome.com.

Merita Smith - Rigor

January 29, 1951 - May 16, 2010