SMITH, Julia Jimma

Black’s Show Low Mortuary, Show Low, Arizona Julia Jimma Smith (October 21, 1919 - June 20, 2013) Julia Jimma Smith passed away June 20, 2013 at her home in Lakeside, Arizona. She is survived by her three children; Leslie Diane, Kent and Richard (Amy), 4 Grandchildren – Laura, Donna, Bret and Clayton, 4 Great-Grandchildren – Kala, Dylan, Bailey and Kyleigh and one Great-Great- Granddaughter – Ava Jade. Julia is preceded in death by her Husband of 70 years, Benjamin “Les” Smith, her parents – Jim and Amy Hickerson and her 3 Sisters and 1 Brother. Julia came to Arizona with her parents and siblings when she was 13 years old. Her family lived in Phoenix’s “Tent City” while her parents built a house in the middle of a con field on 29th Street south of Thomas Road. Julia graduated for Phoenix Union High School and attended Phoenix College until World War II started and she went to work in an Aircraft Manufacturing plant in Goodyear, Arizona. Julia married Les Smith in 1944. They worked as a team for 70 years, building a successful lumber and hardware business in Phoenix and raising their children. Upon retirement, they moved to Lakeside, Arizona and continued as a team enjoying the four seasons of the White Mountains and taking care of each other. A memorial service for Julia and Les was held June 21, 2013 at Black’s Show Low Mortuary.