Florence Edith Smith-McCord

Florence Edith Smith McCord was born March 14, 1938 to the late William A. Smith and Elizabeth Mary Hayes Smith, in Brentwood, TN... She was the 6th child born to this union.

Edith passed away on Aug. 27, 2021 at home after long battle with Parkinson Disease.
Edith was a native of Brentwood, TN and lived there until the family moved to Antioch, TN in 1984.
Edith attended Brentwood Elementary School and Franklin Training High School, in Franklin, TN. She met and married Willie B. McCord soon after high school, April 30, 1955. Five children were born to this union.

At an early age she realized a need for spiritual guidance and accepted Jesus Christ as her savior. She became a member of the Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church in Brentwood, TN. She was a faithful member. She served as a Sunday schoolteacher, made plans for church gospel programs and a member of the Junior Choir.
She was committed to her community Brentwood; TN. Preserving Brentwood’s black history became her commitment and mission.
In a book written by her good friend John M. Oden Sr. called “The Brentwood I Remember” A History of the Brentwood Community 1850 – 1950. John wrote “Even though the name Hardscuffle Road has been changed to Church Street and all, but one family has moved away, the spirit of the Hardscuffle Road Community lives on. Primarily through the efforts of two ladies who were born and raised on Hardscuffle Road, Edith McCord and Lefretia E. (Fifi) Owen, an annual reunion has been held for over 25 years”. Families meet for a day of reminiscing, fellowship, food and games. The City of Brentwood, Mayor Rhea E. Little, III proclaim that the third Saturday in June shall be observed as “Old Brentwood Community Hardscuffle Road Day” in the City of Brentwood.
Edith was a lifelong member of the Elk’s Lodge Rebecca Carney Temple #798. She joined in 1983 and was an active member for 38 years. She was dedicated, loyal and committed to the lodge she served. She was a integral part of the Elk’s National Association of Shine at their Headquarters, the room named The Tennessee room can be accredited to Edith McCord hard work and dedication to the lodge. She was a lady of many hats and believed in getting the work done. She was a loyal daughter and friend to everyone.
Her passion was “Blues Music” and everyone knew it! She was not afraid to tell anyone about the blues music and it’s history. Edith was the President and founder of the “Yesterday & Today Rhythm and Blues Society”. One of her closest friends was the late Denise LaSalle one of Tennessee’s greatest blues artist. On July 22, 1995 House of Representatives of the Ninety-Ninth General Assembly of the State of Tennessee, at the request of and in conjunction with Representative Mary Pruitt of Nashville (Brentwood), do hereby proclaim that members of the Yesterday & Today Rhythm and Blues Society of Nashville be honored and recognize for their exemplary endeavors to promote and encourage rhythm and blues music, one of our most enduring and endearing forms of popular music, in the State of Tennessee.
She leaves to cherish 5 loving children, Victor LaTony, Anthony Quinn, Terrence Andre all of Antioch, TN; Constance Zactoria (Alfred), Warner Robin, GA, April Chrishone (Danny) Brantley, Savannah, GA; Sister, Mildred Petway, Brother William R. Smith; fourteen wonderful grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; many other devoted and loving relatives, and friends to numerous to mention who were dear to her heart and by whom she will be greatly missed.
Viewing Thursday, September 2, 2021, 2-6, Visitation Saturday, September 4, 2021, 10-11 with funeral to follow at Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church 222 Franklin Lime Stone Rd. Burial in Greenwood West