Anita Mae Kinzalow Smith

Anita Mae Kinzalow Smith, 86, of Flowery Branch, Georgia passed peacefully from this life into the arms of our Lord, surrounded by her loving family on July 27, 2023 after a hard-fought battle with cancer.

She was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania on April 23, 1937. After moving to California as a teenager, she became a true California Girl! She developed a love of musical theatre, and sang and performed in many plays into her young adulthood. Marriage and the birth of her four children carried her to the South, where she became a Southern Girl- living in Georgia, her home of over 50 years! Anita worked in merchandising, and had an eye for decorating and creating amazing displays that were award winning. She became a small business owner in the late nineties, opening a Chicago Dog restaurant with her daughter, Gina. In 2005, Anita was motivated to go back to school, and proudly completed her Nursing Assistant Diploma at Lanier Tech along with her daughter, Judi. In her later years, she enjoyed being involved with the LOHettes, as well as the Shriners, where she made many dear friends. The Shrine Circus was a highlight of her year!

Anita enjoyed crocheting, crafting, and playing the organ. She also loved to travel, whether visiting the beach, going on an amazing trip to her homeland of Sorbo San Basile, cruising, or camping at Lake Lanier. The “Dancing Queen”- Anita was vibrant, always smiling, and always dancing! She wore big, bold jewelry pieces and especially loved turquoise. Her golden hair, gold jewelry, and gold camaro she drove in the 80s earned her the nickname “Goldie Mae.” She loved Jesus with all of her heart, and she never grew old, because she didn’t know how to be old!

She is preceded in death by her parents- Agnes and Frank Scalise, her first husband of 26 years- Frank Kinzalow Sr., her son- Frank Kinzalow Jr., and her brother- Ross Scalise. She leaves behind her husband of 28 years- John Robert Smith, her beloved dog- Bella, her sisters- Rita Dalquist and Linda Crawford, children- Gina Leeds, Kevin Kinzalow, and Judi Vose, step children- Brenda Moody, Missy Mitchell and Chris Smith, 8 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren, as well as many other extended family members whom she loved.

She is a member of Liberty Bible Church in Gainesville, GA. Service arrangements to be announced. In lieu of flowers please donate to St. Jude Children's Hospital, and Shriners Hospitals for Children.