Sarah Smith

Sarah Gaines Smith, born on April 27, 1921, passed away on December 26, 2025, at the age of 104. A beloved, compassionate, devoted, kind-hearted, resilient, and thoughtful woman, she touched the lives of many with her servant's heart. Sarah found joy in helping others, baking, and gardening, but above all, she cherished spending time with her family. She retired from Anderson Chevrolet in 1986 where she spent 35 years as an accountant.

Sarah was preceded in death by her parents, Willie H. Spears and Ollie Bell South Spears, her first husband, Samuel A. Gaines, son, Hugh Alexander Gaines, her second husband, James V. Smith, and her brothers, Howard Spears and Hugh Spears. She is survived by her children, Alex Gaines (Rebecca), Susan McGraw Thurman, and Dianne Kolakowski (Dan); her sister, Betty Goolsby, as well as five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and several nieces and nephews.

A private graveside service will be held at Toccoa City Cemetery, located at 410 Falls Rd., Toccoa, GA, on December 31, 2025. Visitation will take place at Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home, 2950 North Cobb Pkwy, Kennesaw, Georgia, on January 3, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. A Celebration of Life Memorial will follow at the same location, beginning at 2:00 pm. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Saint Judes Children's Hospital.

Sarah's legacy of love and kindness will be remembered by all who knew her.