On October 4, 1942, Elizabeth Shamp was born to Warren Shamp and Mary Dixon in Mount Morris, New York. This Yankee baby girl would later grow up and achieve many honors.Our Mom lived the Airy Force life and with her parents traveled to many duty stations; taking her to Illinois, Oahu, Hawaii, Vienna, Virginia, finally landing in Cajun country, Lafayette, Louisiana. At eighteen she was selected as a beauty contestant in the Miss Orlando Beauty Pageant, where she met the love of her life, our beloved father, retired Air Force Colonel, Merlin Champan Smith.I am one of three daughters and reside in Lafayette, Louisiana. Our mother left us a legacy in the form of her poetic writings. a treasure trove of until now unpublished poetry and journaling stories. She was a woman who carried herself with dignity. Her sharp wit and charm bring life to these poems. Read more Continue reading Read less
