Yvonne Faye Smith

Those who loved Yvonne called her by many names: Sis, Mom, Aunt Yvonne (or Aunty Vonne), Mrs. Smith, and Granny. She was a thoughtful, wise, and witty woman who dressed sharply, loved the Lord, adored her family and friends, and was truly grateful for her time here on earth. Through life’s joys and heartaches, Yvonne found comfort and meaning in her close relationships, keeping a word of encouragement ready for the weary and a well-timed joke in her back pocket. Her seemingly never-ending strength was drawn from her faith in Christ.

Born on October 21, 1936, Yvonne was the middle child of John Burkett, a shopkeeper who shared his love of practical jokes and storytelling with his daughter, and Bessie Naomi, a gardener who taught Yvonne to cook and to make a home cozy. She grew up playing with her little sister Becky and big brother Jerry in the country where she developed a fear of roosters and an affinity for sitting near the old folks while they talked. Yvonne loved special occasions, a chance to get dressed up and ride to Birmingham to window shop or see a movie.

At 14, while singing in the choir at church, Yvonne spotted a tall dark-haired, blue-eyed boy in the congregation. Thus, began her love story with Robert Carl Smith, her sweetheart Bobby. (Or as she’d say: “Bawww-bee.”) Two years later, they married on Christmas Eve. After high school, they had their first daughter and seven years later, their second. She took pride in shepherding her daughters in their Christian faith. Yvonne and Bob shared many travel adventures together, raising their beloved girls while dedicating themselves to taking care of and enjoying the company of their big extended family.

At 45, Yvonne became “Granny,” and took on her most treasured role. Yvonne took her grandchildren everywhere—from campsites to nursing homes to Easter Sunday services. From her bag, she could pull a sandwich or a Band-aid. An unwavering companion to her grandchildren as they grew into adulthood, she was one trip, phone call, or email away.

After such a long and beautiful life, it’s an impossible task to summarize a person who was many things to many different people. Yvonne was loyal and fierce, a force you wanted in your corner (and who you didn’t want to cross). You couldn’t catch Yvonne without lipstick, and you never left her house empty-handed. Her family and friends will miss gathering at her table in her home which she always decorated for the season, for a celebration. They will miss her voice and her sing-song southern accent.

Her wisdom and love will live on for generations to come.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 69 years, Robert Carl Smith, her daughters Pamela Smith Webb and Cheryl Townsend (Scott), her five grandchildren—Stephanie Spear (Jonathan), Katherine Webb (Russell Hehn), Amanda Mills (John), Stephen Webb (Dustin Cañez), and Austen Townsend (Leah)—and five great-grandchildren—Isla Katherine, Jack Robert, Audrey Elizabeth, Isaac Thornell, Frances Lanier —and many family and friends.

Celebration of Life Services for Yvonne will be held Tuesday, November 2, 2021 at Ridout's Gardendale Chapel, Gardendale, AL, with a time of visitation from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM; funeral service at 2:00 PM, followed by her burial in Oakwood Memorial Gardens, Gardendale, AL.

Due to concerns of COVID-19, the family asks guests of the funeral to wear masks and practice social distancing. Thank you.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ridoutsgardendalechapel.com for the family of Yvonne Smith.