Willodean B. Smith

Willodean B. Smith of Fultondale, AL passed away on Tuesday, January 21, 2017 at the age of 88. Willodean was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother who was very much loved and will be greatly missed. She retired from the Birmingham City Board of Education after 19 years of service and was a member of the National Education Association. Mrs. Smith was also a longtime member of Gardendale’s Decatur Highway Church of Christ. She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond W. Smith; her grandson, Sergeant Paul Johnston; brother, Thomas Brooks; sisters, Ivene Smith, Earlene Marbutt, Jean Holland, and Margie Morrow. She is survived by her daughter, Katherine M. Johnston (Ken); a son, Edward B. Benton (Debbie); her grandchildren, Amy Benton, Brooke Benton, and Jake Benton; a brother, Thomas Brooks; sisters, Doris Reese and Mary N. Cantrell; and several nieces and nephews.

Services will be held Saturday, February 4, 2017 at Ridout’s Gardendale Chapel at 11 AM with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in Oakwood Memorial Gardens with Rev. Tim Hayes officiating.