Linda Richards Smith

Linda Faye Richards Smith, 82, of Birmingham, Alabama, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, February 19, 2026. Born on May 13, 1943, in Columbus, Mississippi, to Elmer “Jack” Richards and Maudie Belle Aldridge Richards, Linda lived a life rooted deeply in faith, family, and all things Auburn Tigers!

She graduated from Jones Valley High School and soon married William “Ed” Smith, turning a childhood friendship across the street into a lifelong love story. Their 61-year marriage was a beautiful example of devotion, friendship, and enduring love.

Linda devoted many years teaching Sunday School in the communities where her and her family worshiped. She found great joy in sharing with young children the message of Jesus and the love of her Savior. Her faith guided her life and shined in her kindness, generosity, and gentle spirit. She and Ed have been members of Faith Presbyterian Church in Birmingham for over 20 years.

Linda truly never met a stranger. She had a gift for making others feel welcome, valued, and loved. She was a devoted wife and an extraordinary mother who filled her daughters’ lives with laughter, warmth, and countless cherished memories. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy, and even from afar, she delighted in celebrating each of their milestones.

Linda worked as an administrative assistant throughout her career and retired from Transportation South in Pelham in 2005. Outside of work, she loved her family fiercely, cherished her faith, and proudly cheered for Auburn Tigers sports.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer “Jack” Richards and Maudie Belle Aldridge Richards; her brother, Jim Richards; and her sister, Helen Richards Lint.

Linda is survived by her loving husband, Ed; daughters, Debra (David) Young and Pamela (Randy) Willis; grandson, Mathew (April) Young; granddaughter, Kristin (Derek) Okimoto; great-grandchildren, Arna, Nora, and Noah Okimoto; expected great-grandson, Baby Boy Young (arriving July 2026); and sister, Sara Richards Morgan.

Linda's legacy of love, faith, and kindness will live on in all who were blessed to know her.

Visitation will be at Ridout's Southern Heritage Funeral Home in Pelham, Alabama on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, from 12-1 p.m., with A Service of Celebration for Linda's Life to follow 1 p.m. at Ridout's Southern Heritage. Pastor Carl Smith will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, the Smith Family asks you to kindly consider a donation to:

* Faith Presbyterian Church, https://faith-pca.org/

* Samaritan’s Purse, https://www.samaritanspurse.org

* Shelby County Humane Society, https://www.shelbyhumane.org/available-dogs