Ida Jewel Smith Liles

Published 10:23 am Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Mrs. Ida Jewel Smith Liles, 93, died Saturday, Nov. 23, 2013, after a brief illness.

Mrs. Liles was a native and long time resident of Elba, Ala. She was a graduate of Troy State University where she received a bachelor’s and master’s degree in education. After teaching in Coffee County for two years, she came to Brewton to continue her teaching career. In 1946 she took a decade-long break from teaching.During that time she served in many capacities in the First United Methodist Church. She was also instrumental in developing Brewton’s first public library including the construction of the current facility and serving as Brewton’s first librarian. After her retirement she became active in the Meadorwood Garden Club, Brewton Beautification Board and many other church and civic projects.

She is survived by a daughter, Susan (Wayne) Gardner of Mobile; a son Thomas P. “Buddy” (Gail) Liles of Brewton; a grandson, Greg Gardner; and a granddaughter Holly Gardner.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2013, from 10 until 11 a.m. at the Brewton First United Methodist Church.

Funeral services are scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2013, at 11 a.m. at the Brewton first United Methodist Church with the Rev. Frank Scott officiating. Interment will follow in Union Cemetery of Brewton with Williams Memorial Chapel Funeral Home directing.

Pallbearers will be Duncan Liles, Duncan Sowell, Lee Liles, Jim Luttrell, Greg Gardner and Harrison Hughes.