Corinne Seely Smith

On Friday, August 11, 2023 Corinne’s spirit was released from her body drawing to a close a life well lived.  Corinne was preceded in death by her parents Ray and Annette Smith, and by her brother Titus Smith.  She is survived by her sister Adalyn Watts of Albany, Ga and her brother Wilson Smith of Atlanta. She is also survived by many dear friends who cared for her during her illness:  Judith Petree, Catie Stone, Judith Feingold and Jennie Jobe.  Corinne’s body will be cremated according to her wishes and her ashes will be scattered in a Georgia swamp as she always believed swamps were beautiful.

A graduate of the Atlanta School for the Arts, Corinne was creative in word and in art.  But more importantly, she valued each human life.  With a passion for civil rights work she often directly encountered bigotry.  One of her most treasured memories was her meeting with Rosa Parks many years ago.  

Corinne always held high the virtue of being a voice for the oppressed and marginalized.  Her advocacy for those diagnosed with mental illness and addiction issues initiated the first day treatment program in Knoxville in the 1980s.  She also established the first gay AA meeting in Knoxville.  Countless lives were changed for the better because of her efforts.  Her 38 years as a friend of Bill W. allowed her to share her unique insights with many of her peers. Her physical and mental illnesses greatly limited her abilities in recent years.  But to the end she remained true to herself.  She was the same liberal, socially conscious advocate for those among us who are considered “less than”.

The potential of Corinne’s hopes, dreams and passions was limited in its full expression by illness.  Those who loved Corinne hope that we will do justice to carrying these forward and keeping in mind her work: her expression in art, music and sometime even dance; her reverence for flora and fauna – big and small; her fondness for exquisite stuffed animals; and her ability to create community among her beloveds through storytelling and humor.  We will share those stories with honor.

In lieu of flowers you are encouraged to make a donation honoring Corinne to the Young-Williams Animal Shelter in Knoxville, TN.  

Those who love Corinne are sure she is soaring the heavens, singing her music, reuniting with those she loved and loving every animal she ever met.  Fly high dear one!!!!

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