Johnnie Atwood Smith

Johnnie Riesel Atwood Smith, 104 years old, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2025, in Clinton, Mississippi. Born on March 15, 1921, in Collins, Mississippi, she lived a long and meaningful life marked by devotion to God and to her family.

Johnnie was the daughter of Maggie and Oliver Rogers. She grew up in Collins alongside her siblings Rommie Rogers, Waldine Jeffreys, Vernelle Bass, and Willie Lee Roxton. After graduating from Collins High School, she pursued further education at Jackson Commercial College.

Her career included dedicated service at Home Insurance Company and later with the Internal Revenue Service, where she worked as a secretary for approximately 35 years.

On December 15, 1945, she married David Allen Atwood. They had 26 wonderful years together before he passed away in 1972. In 1984, she married Charles Lamar (Smitty) Smith and they enjoyed 13 happy years together before he passed away in 1997.

A woman of deep faith, Johnnie was a longtime member of Parkway Baptist Church in Clinton, Mississippi. Her gentle spirit and kind words left a lasting impression on all those who knew her.

Above all else, Johnnie cherished her role as a mother and matriarch. The Christian example she set is deeply cherished by her family. They always knew that wherever they went, her prayers had gone ahead of them. She is lovingly remembered by her daughters Deborah Atwood Logan and Linda Atwood Lowery; sons-in-law Terry Lowery and Tommy Laird; granddaughters Tara Stubblefield and Brooke McMahon; great-grandchildren Cody White, Cambell Carpenter, Lukas McMahon, and Molly McMahon; and great-great-grandchildren Easton White and Beau White.

Johnnie’s home was the heart of her family. Known affectionately as “Mammaw,” she was an exceptional cook whose meals brought generations together. Whenever her family wanted to dine at the best place possible, they knew there was no finer table than hers.

In addition to David and Smitty, she now joins in rest her beloved parents Maggie and Oliver Rogers; her brother Rommie Rogers; and sisters Waldine Jeffreys, Vernelle Bass, and Willie Lee Roxton.

We want to thank the wonderful staff at Riggs Manor, Clinton Healthcare, and Traditions Hospice for the kind and loving care they provided to our precious Mother and “Mammaw”.

Johnnie Riesel Smith’s legacy lives on through the many lives she touched with her warmth, kindness, and unwavering love. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her.