Lela Margaret Cordell, known to family and friends as Peg or Peggy, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, Sept 16, 2025 at the remarkable age of 100 years.
Peggy is preceded in death by her parents, her twin siblings, Nora Jane Smith Darville and David Loyd Smith, and her son, Brian Cordell. She is survived by her three remaining children: Carey Cordell (Jackie), Jeff Cordell, Meg Little (Scott), & daughter-in-law, Robin Cordell. She also leaves behind seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
Born in Selma, AL, to Ulmont and Willabelle Smith, the family relocated to Miami, Florida, in 1937. After graduating Ponce de Leon High School in 1943, she worked as a stewardess for American Air Export out of Miami. This allowed her to indulge her enthusiastic and energetic desire to travel and meet people, visiting the numerous ports of the Caribbean and throughout the United States.
Her married life took her to various locations across the United States and Goose Bay Labrador as a military wife. She enjoyed the Air Force Officers’ Wives’ Club, golfing, bowling, dancing, tap dancing and sewing. She was an avid reader, and eventually worked for the Orange County library after settling in Winter Park. She was also a member of the Goldenrod Garden Club.
She was known for being the family historian; sharing wonderful, engaging stories of family and friends, keeping track of the various relatives and tales from her early life in Alabama. Subsequent visits allowed her to hold close those ties to aunts, uncles, & cousins well after moving away.
Peggy was a devout Christian and a member of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, where she was very active in various ministries over the years. She will be missed by all her family and friends who loved her quick smile, her energetic, and cheerful outlook on life, and her fun and quirky personality.
Her memorial service will be at Saint Matthew’s Episcopal Church, located at 5873 N. Dean Rd., Orlando, FL. 32817, on Saturday, October 11, at 11 a.m.