Laura Maddox Smith, 92, former mayor's child

"She was a lady of the era," Mr. Ellis said. "I think this generation came out of World War II and the Depression with a feeling of obligation to the city."

Her civic-mindedness also came from father Robert Maddox, who was mayor of Atlanta from 1909 to 1910, and was furthered by husband Edward Smith, now deceased, and his job as head of a bank. Together, they were a formidable force in Atlanta's growth and development, Mr. Ellis said.

"The fact that her husband was chairman of the First National Bank of Atlanta and Chamber of Commerce ... put her on a stage for her life and gave her opportunities," Mr. Ellis said.

Laura Maddox Smith, 92, of Atlanta died in her sleep at home on June 19. The funeral will be 2 p.m. Saturday at the Cathedral of St. Philip. H.M. Patterson & Son is in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Smith was born in 1917 on the property where the Governor's Mansion now stands.

In the late '40s, Mrs. Smith was president of the Atlanta Junior League. That opened her eyes to many of Atlanta's civic opportunities. So she formed relationships with those in need. She had fellowships with them. She prayed with them, Mr. Ellis said.

During her years of involvement, she rose through the ranks of such organizations as Atlanta Historic Preservation Society, High Museum and Atlanta Community Chest.

"Whatever she got involved with, she exhibited such fine leadership, she was promoted to the board," Mr. Ellis said.

But she didn't just help adults. She also related to children and enjoyed reading to patients at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.

Daughter Florida Ellis recalls growing up that her mother had a flair for the dramatic. Often clad in a red dress, red lipstick and red nail polish against her pristine white hair, Mrs. Smith always smiled and effused confidence, her daughter said. Friends often commented about her can-do spirit.

Additional survivors include another daughter, Laura Spearman.