Memorials

Clairene “Susie” Gilliam Smith Robbins, 79, of Columbia City, will be remembered for her extraordinary zest for life, her love for her family and friends, her adventurousness and generosity of spirit. She was interested in everything and thought getting old was “the pits.” She died March 17, 2009 and we miss her already.
Born in Columbia City, Indiana, January 27, 1930, to Carlean and Ruby (Jackson) Gilliam, Susie lived much of her childhood in rural Kentucky. She was a child of the depression and told many stories of her life on the farm: the shenanigans along with the struggle to survive. Her father was a Baptist minister and her faith was a large part of her life. Her family moved back to Indiana where she graduated from Harlan High School in 1948.
In 1950, she married Stanley Smith with whom she had four children. Mr. Smith died in 1997. In 1991, she married Rodger Robbins, the love of her life, of Columbia City. Mr. Robbins died in 2005.
Susie was a loving and admirable mother: she raised her own four children, and brought into her home several children who were neglected by their own families.
Through the years, Susie was a dance instructor, secretary, graphic designer, accountant, factory and office manager, etc. She, at various times, lived in Kentucky, Indiana, Georgia and Florida. She loved to travel and had been to most states of the US, also Mexico, Israel, and parts of Europe.
She was an artist who worked in many mediums. She enjoyed painting in both water color and acrylic, loved doing crafts, and was an expert seamstress. She won many awards for her work. She loved her home and her garden: her on-going art projects.
She enjoyed bowling and golf.
Susie is survived by her children, Jackie Smith & Steve Springer of Indianapolis, Greg Smith of Geneva, Pat Smith of Toledo and Jim Smith of New Orleans; her grandchildren: Andrea Smith, Nathan & Olivia Smith, Michael & Joy Springer, David Springer and Emily Springer; 6 great-grandchildren; her sister and best friend Genny Robinson, and her husband, Del of Columbia City; her brother, Larry Gilliam of Indianapolis; several nieces and nephews including, Cindy (Curt) Orr, Debbie (Kent) Miller, Steve (Rhonda) Robinson, and Tim (Luann) Robinson; and her numerous cousins and friends.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, James and Buel Gilliam.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The entombment will be in Covington Memorial Gardens, Fort Wayne. The visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.