Anna Lee Smith

Anna Lee Smith was born on April 20, 1931, in Village, Arkansas, to Uriah Smith and Margaret (Hildreth) Smith. She was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings Gertha Davis, Eugene Smith, and Alberta Phifer. On September 1, 2025, at the age of 94, Anna peacefully entered into the kingdom of heaven.

Anna’s life was defined by strength, devotion, and love. She was the proud mother of eight, raising her family with tireless care, discipline, and humor. She worked primarily in a domestic capacity, spending more than 50 years in the field of hospitality services and caregiving. Her home reflected the same meticulous standards she brought to her work — every detail mattered, every corner spoke of her pride in the cleanliness of hers and other's surroundings.

She found true joy in the kitchen, where her southern meal preparation became a hallmark of Sunday dinners, family gatherings and surprise deliveries to others she cared about. Preparing collard greens, cornbread, baked chicken, smothered steak, pork chops, green beans, various other vegetables and desserts, all served with sweet tea or lemonade, were her way of bringing love to the table. Beyond her cooking, she possessed a sharp wit, quick humor, and a knack for making a few choice words sound southern-poetic. And oh yes, she was devoted to her daytime soaps: The Young and the Restless and General Hospital, and classic tv westerns like Gunsmoke and The Rifleman. She Loved rewatching Rocky I, II and especially Rocky III. She probably made everyone there, mostly the grandkids, watch it about 100 times. Also, her voracious reading habits made quick work of innumerable autobiographies, her favorite genre. She was also a fervent Denver Broncos fan. She was able to go to the Broncos Super Bowl game in 1999 with her daughter Shirley. She once told us that she wanted her ashes spread in Broncos Stadium so we’ll see. Her passion for sports not only laid the foundation for our family’s deep love of sports but it also ignited a unique enthusiasm for sports among the women in our family.

Anna also carried a quiet but steadfast independence. She remained a confident driver with a flawless highway record, still driving herself well into her late 80s. Through many of life’s difficulties, she found ways to thrive where others might have faltered, teaching by example the value of resilience and perseverance.

Faith was a cornerstone of her life. Since the family first joined the Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church (EMBC) in the 1960s, Anna remained devoted to its mission. Her presence there anchored her family in faith and community for generations. She really missed attending Emmanuel once her health declined.

Anna is survived by her children: Alton (Bethany) Smith, Sacramento, CA; Troy Lee (Savannah) Jackson, Colorado Springs, CO; Linda Sue Cook, Sacramento, CA; David (Sharon) Smith, Plumas Lake, CA; Larry Charles Morgan, Colorado Springs, CO; Steve (Tina) Brown, Aurora, CO; and Joe A. Brown, Jr.; Colorado Springs, CO. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Shirley A. Williams. She leaves behind a cherished legacy of 12 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and 8 great-great-grandchildren.

The family is comforted that Mother now rests in the eternal presence of the Lord, reunited with loved ones who joined before her. Yet for as long as her memory lives in her children, grandchildren, and the many generations she shaped and people she touched, so shall her spirit continue here on earth. Her resilience, faith, laughter, and love remain a living legacy.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the EMBC Love/Benevolence Fund in Anna's name are encouraged and greatly appreciated. You may send your donations to EMBC or you can donate on our website of Godiswithus.org under the “About Us” dropdown where you will see Tithes & Giving”.