Eliza H Smafield

Eliza Hays Smafield, 74, of Port Huron, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, November 24, 2022.

She was born June 2, 1948 in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada to the late Edward and Helen Smafield.

Eliza grew up in Port Huron. She graduated from Port Huron High School in 1966 and earned an Associate’s Degree from St. Clair County Community College in 1968. Central Michigan University awarded her a Bachelor’s of Education in 1972. A Continuing Certificate from the University of Michigan, Flint followed in 1977. Her teaching career spanned 26 years in the Flint School District where she taught Middle School at Holmes and McKinnley, among others. In total, she was employed for 30 years as a public-school educator. In addition to being a lifelong teacher, she was also a lifelong learner and writer of poetry.

After her teaching career, Eliza retired back to Port Huron, where she was active with NAMI. She served on the board of St. Clair County Mental Health and participated in several plays by the Community Mental Health Players. She was also a member of the NAACP.

She will be remembered by her siblings, Harriett (Lauren) Short, Tim (Peg) Smafield, Peter Smafield and Georgina (George) Day; countless nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews; a few great great nieces and nephews; and many others whose lives she touched. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Vernon James (Majorie) Hartnett and Herbert Allen (Nancy) Hartnett.

A memorial service will take place a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to NAMI or the Community Mental Health Players.

Cremation arrangements are by Karrer-Simpson Funeral Home. To send condolences, visit karrersimpson.com