Elaine Claire Smalling

Elaine Claire Gardner-Smalling

She was always outgoing, friendly, jovial with a pleasant personality. She loved school and the challenges of gaining knowledge. In addition to her basic education, she completed advanced correspondence courses from Oxford University, London, England. She continued her education at Mico College and Moneague Teacher's College where she earned her Teacher's Certificate. She taught at Alpha Junior for 11 years. She migrated to the United States in 1963, and obtained employment at Saint Columbus Elementary School, where she taught for 9 1/2 years. Because she did not receive a BA degree from Jamaica Teacher's College, she returned to school and obtained a BA degree in education at Pace University, New York. Unfortunately, after graduation, she was unable to find employment, because in New York City, at that time, teachers were being laid off. Determined to succeed, she switched careers and returned to Pace University, where she earned a degree in Nursing. With this new career, she gained employment at Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York.

In 1978, Elaine and her family relocated to Miami, Florida, with the desire to teach, and do nursing in the summer months. Unfortunately, that did not come to fruition. She accepted full time employment as a nurse at Coral Reef Hospital, in SW Miami. There she worked for 11 years, and as a Head Nurse for 9 years. After leaving Coral Reef Hospital, she worked at Baptist Hospital for 15 additional years, retiring in 2007. After retirement, she and her family relocated to Port Saint Lucie in Central Florida. There she lived until her demise.

Elaine married William Smalling Sr. From their union, she brought William Smalling Jr. into the world. She cared for her family since she was young, as if this was her duty to do so. She worked hard at living a Godly life and walking in the way of Christ. She donated to many charities, cared for the poor, and shared God's blessings to her with others.

Elaine has three granddaughters and was involved in their upbringing. She also instilled in them to love and trust God. When you visited her home, she always made sure that there was something for you to eat or drink.

In her later years, she was afflicted with arthritis, which was very painful to her joints, but she had a positive attitude and a determination that Mr. Arthro would not control her life. She functioned through the pain and discomfort saying, "This is my body, God is in control and Mr. Arthritis was not going to control her".

She was truly loved and respected by all who was fortunate to meet and know this wonderful lady. She had a forgiving spirit and you always knew where you stood with her. Her bark was more than her bite.

May her soul rest in peace and light perpetual shine upon her as she awaits the day when she will be reunited with her Saviour face to face. She will be sadly missed by her beloved husband, Will; Son, Will Jr. and his wife (Dihann); Grandchildren, Kristen, Chelsea, and Camryn; Surviving siblings, Blossom (Eldoris), Lloyd, Stafford (Neville), Boyd, and Norma. As well as a host of nephews, nieces, grand nephews, grand nieces, cousins, and friends.

A Visitation will be held at Haisley Tribute Center in Port Saint Lucie Friday, August 7th from 3:00 to 7:00 PM with a Service being held the following day, Saturday August 8th, at Liberty Baptist Church in Fort Pierce at 11:00 AM. A Burial will follow the Service at Rolling Oaks Cemetery in Port Saint Lucie.