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In 1970, the Troy Messenger ran this story on Mrs. Reynolds Smart and her long career as a teacher.

It must be a very gratifying feeling to know that by serving in the teaching and social work professions you have helped people for thirty nine years.  Mrs. Reynolds Smart (Ethel Shealey), of Brundidge, is well qualified to have this satisfied feeling.  Even though she had a full time job, she made a happy home for her husband and son and was active in the social, civic and religious life of her community.

Mrs. Smart was born in Lee County near Opelika and at the age of two moved to Coffee County, Alabama.  She graduated elementary and high school in Elba and graduated at the age of sixteen.  She attended Livingston University, known as State Teachers College.  Only two years were offered then and at the completion of her studies, she was  given a diploma and life certificate to teach.

She taught for eight and one half years in Pike, Henry and Coffee Counties.  Her education was furthered by studying one summer at Columbia and later getting a degree from Troy State University.

She started to work with what is now known as the Department of Pensions and Security on January 31st, 1933, in  the middle of the depression, and worked until time of retirement January 1st, 1964, with thirty nine years of service to teaching and social work.

She married Reynolds Smart of Brundidge, and they have one son, Tom, who attended the University of Alabama and served in the Korean Conflict.  He returned to the U. of A. and received his Master’s Degree.  Tom is now working for Shell Chemical Company and had advanced to head office in New York City.  He lives in Millington, New Jersey, and is married to the former Betty Scott Dunklin of Greenville, and they have one son, Thomas Reynolds Smart, III, who is thirteen years old.

Mrs. Smart says that she enjoyed every minute of her work but also she looked forward to her retirement and her days are busy because she fills them with many pleasures and services to those around her and especially to friends who need her.

Mrs. Smart is an active member of the Brundidge United Methodist Church, was a charter member of the Wesleyan Service Build and is now a member of the Morning Circle.  She was a charter member of the Brundidge Garden Club in 1954 and has held the office of president several times.

Some of the hobbies that make Mrs. Smart’s days happy and busy are Bridge, cooking and working in the yard.

All of these articles can be found in previous editions of The Troy Messenger.  Stay tuned for more.  Dianne Smith is the President of the Pike County Historical, Genealogical and Preservation Society