Naomi Smith Kellum Monier drew her last breath on June 4, 2025, in Columbia, SC. She was born on July 25, 1929, to kind, intelligent farmers Willie Calvin (Will) Smith and Lena Rivers Pollock Smith near Trenton, NC. Her first job after graduating from High School in 1947 was with the Telephone Company, a fact that she was very proud of. She was most proud of all her job opportunities and achievements.

After moving to Columbia with her husband, Robert Kellum, and three small children in 1957, she took a job at WNOK radio as the front desk receptionist, but was reassigned to writing copy for commercials when she became pregnant. At the same time, she studied and practiced shorthand from a mail order course with the goal of obtaining better jobs. She realized that she would need to be the provider of the roof over her children's heads. She did just that.

She was able to advance to secretarial jobs at the Department of Corrections and became the Executive Secretary to the Director. She went on to be Administrative Assistant to the Director of the Budget and Control Board. She rented houses in neighborhoods with good schools. She was the first in line at her workplaces to embrace new technology such as the IBM Selectric Typewriter and computer programs. She taught herself to play bridge from the Charles Goren articles in the State Paper and became a good bridge player. She was smart and organized.

Naomi was able to retire from the State of South Carolina at age 62 and married Ron Monier. They bought the biggest RV imaginable and started traveling throughout the United States, spending extended periods of time and making long-lasting friendships in Cocoa Beach, Florida. It was the happiest time of her life. After 22 years of traveling, Naomi returned to Columbia.

She was the last of her generation to survive, but leaves two sons and two daughters to remember her: JoAnne Kellum Marcell (Michael), Rob Kellum (Joy Martin), William C. (Bill) Kellum, Lisa Jayne Kellum (Mark Ready), two granddaughters, Emily Mann (Chris), and Anna Marcell, three great-grandchildren, Lena and Eli Dunlap and Mason Mann. She was predeceased by two grandchildren, Louis Marcell and Mary Rivers Bunch. The family appreciates the constant, life-long friendship of Jan Smith.

Naomi's remains will be interred with those of her family who have gone before her at a graveside service at 10:00 AM on July 12, 2025 at Friendship Freewill Baptist Church, 139 10 Mile Fork Road, Trenton, NC, 28585.