Laurene Cheek

Smithville – Mae Laurene Cheek, 95, passed away on Friday, May 13, 2016, at NMMC Hospice. She passed away on the 9th anniversary of her husband’s death. Born on May 1, 1921, in Vernon, AL, she was a daughter of the late Jim H. and Dora Mima Walden Murphy.

Mrs. Cheek attended Pearce Chapel and Smithville schools. On March 1, 1937, she married Benjamin Thomas “B. T.” Cheek, Jr. They celebrated 70 years of marriage before his death on May 13, 2007. A dedicated homemaker and hard-worker her entire life, she was a true Southern lady who was strong-willed and feisty. The oldest member of Smithville Baptist Church and Dorcus Sunday school class, Mrs. Cheek was a very devoted and faithful member until her health declined 3 years ago. Mrs. Cheek was passionate about her family, grandchildren, and especially her great-grandchildren. She enjoyed her family; being outdoors working in her yard and her flowers; gardening; and watching her nephews sing and preach on Gospel Channel 39. She will be dearly missed by her family, church family and friends.

Survivors include her daughters, Phyllis (Joe) Morgan, Smithville, and Charlotte (Loyd) Pearson, Hatley; son-in-law, Shelby Carter, Hatley; grandchildren, Scott (Jennie) Morgan, Jennifer (Frank) Kessler, and Jodi (Dan) McCrimon; great-grandchildren, Carson and Addison Kessler; Ben and Juliana McCrimon; Stuart Morgan; several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, B. T., she was preceded in death by a daughter, Janet Blanche Carter; brothers, Barney (Erlene) Murphy and Jack (Ovelene) Murphy; sisters, Bernice (Hershel) Nolan, Hazel (Thelbert) Frederick; Grace (Binford) Minor, and Helen (Eugene) Justice.

Her Funeral Service will be held at 2 PM, Monday, May 16, 2016, at Smithville Baptist Church with Bro. Wes White and Bro. Lloyd Minor officiating. Burial will follow in Smithville Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Fred Nabors, David Reese, Wade Weatherbee, Bo Stevens, Rollin Turnage, and James Knight.

Mrs. Cheek will lie-in-state at the church from 1 – 1:50 PM, Monday.

Memorials may be given to Smithville Baptist Church, PO Box 52, Smithville, MS 38870.

Memories and condolences may be shared with her family at EEPickleFuneralHome.com.