Emma Jean Smith, age 71, of Mulberry, FL, died Monday, October 26, 2015 in Mulberry, FL. She was the Nutrition Director at Polk General Hospital for many years. In 1987 she became the Nutrition Area Supervisor for Elderly Services for Polk County. She retired in 2009 after 36 years of service to the Polk County Board of County Commissioners.

She was a faithful member of Greater St. Paul MBI Church in Lakeland, FL where she was a member of the Adult Choir and Women's Ministry.

She is survived by one daughter: Belinda(Apostle Michael) Goins, Lakeland, FL; two sons: Derrick(Lorna) Tillman, Chester, VA; Shawn(Marshanna) McGriff, Orange Park, FL; six sisters: Margaret Sanders, Mulberry, FL; Evelyn(Ralph) Williams, Mulberry, FL; Azzie Boyd, Bradley, FL; Altamease Brown, Bartow, FL; Maxine(Richard) Richardson, Winter Haven, FL; Katie Smith, Mulberry, FL; five brothers: Roosevelt(Betty) Smith, Winter Haven, FL; Collins(Elestine) Smith, Mulberry, FL; Robert Smith, Bartow, FL; Kay Smith, Lakeland, FL, Charles Smith, Moreno Valley, CA; eight grand children; and three great-grand children.

Arrangements are being handled by Gause Funeral Home, 625 S. Holland Parkway, Bartow, FL where the family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Sunday, November 1, 2015. Funeral service will be at Greater St.Paul Missionary Baptist Institutional Church, 1130 N. Webster Avenue, Lakeland, FL, 33805 at 11:00 AM, Monday, November 2, 2015.

Interment will be at Wildwood Cemetery, Bartow, FL.