Lydia Smiley Obituary

Lydia Smiley
DELRAY BEACH, FL - Lydia Ruffner Smiley, age 75, of Delray Beach, Florida died on December 3, 2021. Lydia was born on August 18, 1946 in Richland, Washington, a daughter of the late Samuel Dixon Smiley and Margaret Earwood Smiley. Lydia grew up in Aiken, South Carolina. She earned the Ph.D. from Georgia State University and then joined the faculty at Florida Atlantic University where she taught in the Department of Exceptional Student Education. There she was awarded the prestigious honor of Distinguished Teacher of the Year, the first woman professor so honored. Lydia was also chosen by the Council for Learning Disabilities as the Distinguished Teacher/Educator of the year. In addition to numerous chapters, articles and presentations, she coauthored two books on the education of exceptional students.
Lydia will be fondly remembered by family and friends as a loyal sister and friend, a staunch supporter of women's rights, an advocate for human rights, a champion of the underdog and a passionate animal lover. As she was once described by a dear friend, she was a complex person who, upon her arrival, would probably tell St.Peter that there should be a woman at the gates.
Lydia is survived by her companion and partner of 35 years, David Raymond Lee, also of Delray Beach, FL. Lydia is also survived by six brothers and sisters; James Watson Smiley (Betsy) of Isle of Palms, SC; Samuel Dixon Smiley (Donna) of Gainesville, GA; Keith Quarrier Smiley of Woodstock, GA; Harry Sessions Smiley (Gale) of Ten Mile, TN; Donaldson Knight Smiley (Susan) of Bellingham,WA and David Lewis Smiley of Aiken, SC. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, all of whom have always looked forward to her unwavering support and annual Christmas presents.
Lydia's ashes will be scattered in the dunes at her beloved Edisto Beach, SC where she spent family vacations as a child and later organized family beach week each summer where brothers and sisters and nieces and nephews gathered for fun and food.
Her family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League of West Palm Beach, FL.