Mary Ruth Smith

Mary was a proud 1947 graduate of Etowah High School and later attended Gadsden Business College. She dedicated her life to caring for her family, which was her greatest joy and proudest accomplishment. Known for her warm heart and generous spirit, she was an excellent cook whose kitchen was always a place of comfort, laughter, and full plates. She was also a fierce Chinese checkers' champion and found deep happiness in visiting the Smoky Mountains, a place she loved dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George Arthur Guice and Mary Nancy Guice; her first husband, Billy Oliver; and her second husband, Doyle Smith, and her stepdaughter Gayle Thomas.

She is survived by her loving daughter, Jeanne Kerr (Randy); grandchildren, Kelly Pritchett (Robert), Kaci Kerr, and Bradley Kerr (Kristi); and great-grandchildren, Liam Pritchett, Luke Pritchett, Owen Pritchett, Bennett Kerr, and Caroline Kerr. She is also survived by her chosen daughter, Rebecca Goodwin (Rick); stepdaughter, Laurel Kingsley (John); step-grandchildren, Anissa Blair (Phil), Daniel Thomas, and Amber McCarver (Brian), Cory Kingsley (Tamara), Aaron Kingsley (Julie), Shawn Kingsley, Christopher Kingsley (Jessica) along with a host of nieces and nephews who will cherish her memory.

The family extends a special thank you to her caregivers, who were more than caregivers, but who truly became her family - Shirley Handford and Melinda Guyton. Heartfelt gratitude is also extended to the compassionate staff of Southern Care Hospice; Glenda, Tonya, Erica, Kendra, Jamie, Tiffany, Chaplain John and Stephanie for the loving care they provided.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Services are entrusted to Collier-Butler Funeral Home. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 6, 2026, beginning at 12:30 p.m., followed by a 2:30 p.m. graveside service at Crestwood Cemetery with Bro. Rodney Davis officiating. Pallbearers will be Bradley Kerr, Randy Kerr, Robert Pritchett, Liam Pritchett, Luke Pritchett, Rick Goodwin, Charles Gladden. Honorary Pallbearers Owen Pritchett, Bennett Kerr. A celebration of life meal will follow the service at Lasters 6432 Hwy 11, Springville, AL 35146.

Mary’s legacy of love, devotion, strength, and faith will live in the many lives she has touched. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered. We take comfort in knowing that she is rejoicing in the arms of Jesus!