Elaine Smith

Edith Elaine Brown Smith
January 26, 1928 - April 8, 2026

With deep love and gratitude, we celebrate the extraordinary life of Edith Elaine Brown Smith, who passedaway peacefully 8 April 2026, at the age of 98, in Los Ayala, Nayarit, Mexico.

Elaine was born January 26, 1928, in American Fork, Utah, to Frank William Brown and Edith Jones Brown.From an early age she learned to work on the family farm and developed an ethic for hard won achievement and excellence. She proudly declared to children and grandchildren that as a youth she could outwork any of the men on the farm. She had an innate love for learning, music, and the wider world—passions that would shape the course of her remarkable life. 

She was an artist and a musician at heart, earning a degree in music (organ) from Whitman College. She studied art and oil painting at BYU and the University of Utah. A lifelong learner and educator, Elaine had a deep love for traveling and for reading, especially about countries, history, and biographies. She taught the power of education and instilled that value in her children and grandchildren, encouraging curiosity, discipline,and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. She truly believed “You can accomplish anything that you set your mind to.”

Elaine shared a beautiful love story with her husband, Morris, her lifelong friend and sweetheart. They were married in 1947 and built a life defined by partnership, devotion, and shared adventure. Together they traveled the world, flew their private airplane, piloted their 45-foot motorsailer along the coast of Mexico, and faithfully served throughout their lives in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Morris preceded her in death in 2013.

Elaine’s life was not only long, but filled with richness of purpose, faith, and deep commitment. She is remembered as a woman who embraced adventure, painted life and people with her own palette of vibrant colors and gave generously to those she loved deeply and sought to uplift. Her legacy is in her family, the village she cherished, the many lives she touched through her devotion to faith, education and service, and in her art and her music.

Elaine lived with courage and independence, embracing life fully and generously. In her later years, she made her home in Mexico, where she found deep purpose and belonging. She developed a profound love for the village of Los Ayala and its people, becoming an integral part of the small community. Her compassion was expressed through action—she ensured that children had shoes, school uniforms, and clothing, and she provided funds for transportation and scholarships so they could continue their education. She also created a library in the village, reflecting her enduring commitment to learning and opportunity.

Elaine’s life was grounded in love for her family. She is survived by her sister, JaNae Brown Mattingly; her three beloved children and their spouses Scott (Karen), Stephanie (Paul), Sharmon (Susan); and generations of grandchildren who carry forward her legacy of achievement, strength, creativity, faith, and compassion. She was preceded in death by her brother, Frank Robert Brown, and her beloved husband, Morris James Smith.

The memorial service honoring Elaine will be held at Anderson & Sons Mortuary, 49 East 100 North American Fork, Utah on Friday, April 17,2026, at 11:00 am.In lieu of flowers, we invite you to support your favorite charity. If you’re interested in helping continue Elena’s work in Los Ayala, contact elenasjardin@gmail.com.