Geraldine Smith, 83, of Port Orange, FL formerly of Springfield passed away March 16, 2026 in the AdventHealth hospital in Daytona Beach, FL. She was born May 24, 1942, in Du Quoin, IL, the daughter of Gerald Lee and Betty Jean (Axley) King. She married Richard Smith May 2, 1969, in the Elliott Avenue Baptist Church in Springfield.
She was known as "Jerri" to her work colleagues and "Dean" to her family. Geraldine loved tending to her flower gardens, camping, family trips and enjoying life with her family and friends. Geraldine retired from the State of Illinois in 2001 having worked in the offices of the Secretary of State and the State Board of Education. She also worked at the Illinois National Bank. Following retirement she moved with her family to Virginia and then on to Florida where she resided for over 20 years.
She is survived by her husband Richard and son Barry, of Port Orange, FL, three brothers – Charles King of Sparta, TN, Rick King (Vickie Holmes) of Du Quoin, IL and Jerry King (Jeana) of West Frankfort, IL. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, step mother Dimple King, one sister Doris Walters and three brothers – Ronald King, Steve King and Mike Oliver.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at Elmwood Cemetery in Litchfield, IL with Pastor Gary J. Schwab, ThD, of First Presbyterian Church of Litchfield officiating. There will be no visitation. A funeral procession will line up at 10:45 a.m. at Plummer Funeral Home and proceed to the cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that any memorials be made to the USO.org in support of our military heroes and their families. Online donations can be made at https://www.uso.org/take-action/ways-to-support
Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield is assisting the Smith family. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.plummerfuneralservices.com .  Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin is assisting the family with local posting of service information.