Shirley Jean Smith

Shirley was born September 5, 1939 to Ray and Hazel McLaughlin of Grubbs, Arkansas. She grew up in a farming family alongside her three brothers, where strong values and hard work were instilled at an early age. She met her future husband in high school, and they later reconnected while she was attending business school in Memphis. Bill and Shirley Smith married in 1957 and raised three children, building a family rooted in faith and love.

Shirley’s faith was the foundation of her life. Most recently a member of Lakeland Baptist Church, she devoted herself to serving the Lord. She shared her faith in various congregations over the years as a treasured Sunday school teacher, and also led worship music, singing in a gospel trio alongside her late husband, Bill. Her faith remained steadfast through both joyful and difficult seasons, including the years she lovingly cared for her husband and son through their illnesses.

Shirley’s bright spirit, quick wit, and infectious laugh brought joy to every gathering, and her gift for making others feel loved and welcomed left a lasting impression on all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Her favorite days were spent with the family of whom she was so proud, and she made sure they always knew how much they were loved.

Shirley has enjoyed traveling in recent years, and spent her last days surrounded by the worship music she loves on one final earthly journey before being called to her eternal Home. She leaves behind a legacy of unwavering faith, extraordinary strength, joyful laughter, and a family who will forever cherish the love she so freely gave. Though she will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort in the promise of Heaven and the beautiful homecoming that awaits all who place their faith in Christ.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23

Shirley is preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Hazel McLaughlin, her husband of 58 years, Bill Smith, her son, Rodney Smith, and her brother, Don McLaughlin.

She is survived by:

Daughter: Kim Kelly (Chris),Son: Craig Smith (Amy), Daughter-in-law: (Susie), Brother: Joe McLaughlin (Anita) Brother: Doug McLaughlin (Vickie), Grandchildren: Ashley Smith, Kristy Nix (Smith), Drew Douglass, Sarah Kelly, Matthew Kelly, McKenzie Blankenship (Smith), Cameryn Smith, Griffin Smith

Visitation will be held at First Baptist Church-Lakeland, 4500 Canada Rd, Lakeland, TN 38002, US, on September 28, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by a Funeral Service at the same location at 11:00 am.

A Graveside Service will take place at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 North Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, TN 38133, US, on September 28, 2026, at 12:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers the family would like donations to ne made in Shirley's honor to The Samaritan's Purse.