110 years ‘lived fully and productively.’ Times co-founder Lessie Smithgall leaves legacy in Northeast Georgia - Gainesville Times

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110 years ‘lived fully and productively.’ Times co-founder Lessie Smithgall leaves legacy in Northeast Georgia

The Times’ co-founder Lessie Smithgall is the oldest-living graduate of UGA’s Grady school. She is credited with being among the founders of the Peabody Awards program at the University of Georgia. - photo by Scott Rogers

03312019smithgall 1.jpg — The Times’ co-founder Lessie Smithgall is the oldest-living graduate of UGA’s Grady school. She is credited with being among the founders of the Peabody Awards program at the University of Georgia. - photo by Scott Rogers

Lessie Smithgall, a Gainesville legend whose long life was marked by philanthropy, business savvy and a love for the arts and nature, died at her home Friday, June 25.