Effie Mae Smith

May 16, 1923, Giles Lee and Dehlia Lovett Burkhalter welcomed their tenth child, Effie Mae, into the world. This glorious birth occurred at home with a midwife in Eufaula(Huttonville), Ok. Effie's parents, siblings and one son(Milford) preceded her in death.

Effie attended elementary and high school in the Huttonville/Eufaula school system. She graduated High School in Rentisville, Ok.

After high school, Effie met and married the love of her life, Albert C Hutton. To this union three children were born, Albert Jr, Milford and Trudie. The dissolution of her marriage gave rise to her decision to attend nursing school in Kansas City, Mo. Upon completion, she returned home for a short while, then decided to relocate and work in Wichita, Kansas. While living in Wichita Effie would find a new love and marry Ruedolph Smith. With this union came two girls, Shirley(Shirl) and Margaret. Effie would love and raise these two girls as her daughters. She loved being a Mom and loved her blended family. This union would take the Smith family to several states and they finally settled in Carson, California.

Effie decided, after years in the nursing field, she would change her career focus. She became a licensed real estate agent and loved every minute of it. She found it full filling, exciting, interesting, as well as challenging. Real estate allowed her outgoing personality to shine as well as showcase her abilities.

A massive heart attack sidelined her real estate career, but she never stopped. Creating other things to do was no problem; she began crafting, quilting, traveling, cooking, shopping and spending more time with family. Family was among the most important things to her and she always tried to stay in touch with everyone. After her husband's retirement, they relocated to Eufaula, Oklahoma. Effie continued with all her activities and spent lots of time with her beloved grand babies. Effie always looked like a million bucks and so effortlessly, whether she was dressed to the nines or lounging. Her personality was one to envy, able to laugh at herself, laugh with others and tell a joke or two. With the grandkids, she became one of them, playing and enjoying just as they did.
Through life's challenges, Effie always made lemonade out of lemons. Always fun to be with and a beautiful smile and a warm embrace for everyone.

Effie leaves to cherish her memory, her children: Albert/Norma Hutton,Tulsa, Ok; Evelyn/Milford Hutton, Checotah,Ok; Trudie Hutton Smith, Broken Arrow,Ok; Shirl/Henri Lee, Chino Hills,Ca; Margaret Whitfield, Enid,Ok; 17 Grandchildren, 28 Great Grandchildren, 23 Great Great Grandchildren and a host of Neices, Nephews, cousins and friends.