Marjorie Whiteley Smith

Marjorie Whiteley Smith

1931 – 2022

Marjorie Whiteley Smith, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and sister, passed away Sept. 4, 2022, in Cedar Hills, Utah. This friendly, pragmatic and kind-hearted woman will continue to bless those who knew her best with her legacy of good works and faithful service.

She was born Aug. 30, 1931, in Salt Lake City to George M. Whiteley and Ada Angeline Brough. Some of her most cherished childhood memories were working on projects with her father, who affectionately nicknamed her “Blondie.” She also fondly remembered running through the family orchards in East Millcreek with her friends and pet dogs.

She graduated from Granite High School, then later from the University of Utah (with a degree in elementary education), where she was a member of the Lambda Delta Sigma sorority. At college she met a number of cherished friends (including her husband), with whom she shared many love- and laugh-filled reunions throughout her life.

She married Stanley Byron Smith on Sept. 3, 1952, in the Salt Lake City Temple, embarking upon a remarkable journey of love and togetherness. The day preceding her passing marked the 70th anniversary of their union. They were blessed with three sons and four daughters – a full house to be sure; nevertheless, the doors to her home were always open and welcoming to extended family, foster children and friends who needed a place to stay for a few months or even a year. She also made time to regularly volunteer at a local hospital.

Marjorie was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, where she served in numerous teaching and leadership positions in the Relief Society and Primary organizations. Notably, when she lived in southern California, she was instrumental in organizing special Primary activities for hearing-impaired children and making transportation arrangements so all could attend.

She and Stanley were among the vanguard of six full-time service missionary couples sent to Mongolia in 1992, which led to the opening of that country for proselyting missionaries. They returned to Mongolia in 2012 as honored guests during celebrations of the church’s 20th anniversary there.

She is survived by children Byron and Rhonda Smith, Orem, Utah; Douglas Smith, San Diego, Calif.; Forrest and Nancy Mottishaw, Springville, Utah; Kenneth Smith, San Diego, Calif.; Greg and Susan Dodge, Cedar Hills, Utah; Tom and Cindy Walton, Cedar Hills, Utah; Glenn and Barbara Pixton, Southport, N.C.; 32 grandchildren; and 54 great-grandchildren.

Viewing will be Thursday, September 8, 2022, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at the Warenski Funeral Home, 1776 North 900 East, American Fork, Utah. Graveside services will be Friday, September 9, 2022, 10:00 a.m., at the Centerville City Cemetery, 650 East 400 South, Centerville, Utah. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.warenski.com