Tessa Ann Smith

Tessa Ann Smith, age 60, of Gardendale, Alabama, passed away on May 14, 2026. Born on November 16, 1965, in Birmingham, Alabama, Tessa lived a life centered around faith, family, friendship, and loving others well.

Tessa’s greatest joy was her family, especially her grandchildren. She never missed an opportunity to support and celebrate them, whether at ballgames, school events, performances, competitions, or everyday moments. She was also an incredibly supportive sister and aunt. Being present for the people she loved was what mattered most to her.

Tessa was also deeply loved by the faculty, staff, and students at Gardendale High School. She had a natural gift for making people feel welcomed, valued, and cared for, and she left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her coworkers became like family, and the students of GHS held a very special place in her heart.

Tessa enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, loving on Denver, reading, following true crime stories, and living out her faith in Jesus. She found happiness in the simple moments and treasured the relationships she built throughout her life.

She is survived by her father, Bobby Sims; her children, Samantha and Ryan Keedy, and Whitney and Scott Luedecke; her beloved grandchildren, Dax, Peyton, Saylor, Colby, and Sims; her sister, Traci Spain and husband John; and her nephew, Bobby Spain.

She was preceded in death by her precious mother, Katherine “Nanny” Sims, and her beloved nephew, Gary Spain.

Tessa will be remembered for her kind heart, unwavering love for her family, and the countless lives she has touched. Though she will be deeply missed, the love she poured into others will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

A celebration of life for Tessa will be announced at a later date.