Lurena Barlow Smith was one smart woman. She loved to work -- never complained about having to work, and never said she dreaded doing any kind of work, although she had much rather be outdoors than in the house.  She was always blessed with good health.  Mama was strong willed and had to have her way.  She loved a good argument better than anybody and did not approve of teasing and joking.

Mama was a good neighbor.  She and Daddy visited the neighbors and went to see the sick.  She loved company if they would come on Sunday so they did not interfere with her work, and it was very seldom anybody left empty-handed.  She always had something to give you. 

There was always something growing in her garden - spring, summer, fall, and even in the winter there would be greens growing.  Her Irish potatoes were always planted by the 14th of February.  If it was too wet to make rows in the garden with the tractor, she got out in the back yard and made rows with the hoe.  She always had to have a big garden, for she had to grow enough for all us children.  One time Daddy outsmarted her.  She kept on at him to fix more rows, so he finally did fix the rows; but he laughingly told us that he didn't fertilize the soil - so it would not produce so much to be tended to!

Mama loved to fish.  That was one thing she would stop working for if she got a chance to go fishing. When Mama was in the house relaxing, she was doing something with her hands.  She crocheted, tatted, embroidered, and made quilts.

Mama loved her grandchildren.  After they all grew up and were out on their own, they did not go to see her as often as they should.. She would get on the telephone and invite them all to dinner.  They always said if their phone started ringing on Sunday morning before day light, they knew it was Grandma.

After Daddy died, Mama said it was so lonesome on Sunday afternoon after everyone went home.  One weekend when Julia Faye had come to visit, she decided to wait until Monday morning to go home.  But bright and early Monday morning Mama woke her up and started getting her things out to the car.  Julia Faye hardly got to brush her teeth because Mama was rushing her out so Mama could get started to work.  So, thereafter, Julia Faye went home on Sunday afternoon.

Mama always said she prayed she would die with her shoes on. She did exactly that and was in her beloved garden.