Lydia Smith McWhirter

After her daughters were school-aged, Lydia went back to college, where she earned her Bachelor of Science and Master degrees in Elementary Education. She pursued her degrees while tirelessly serving in her role as a Baptist minister's wife. She proudly taught students in Alexander City, AL and Georgiana, AL for 17 years.

Lydia loved her family and was deeply proud of her grandchildren. She had a deep faith in God and served as a Sunday School teacher for many years. Her Christian spirit was always evident in her kindness toward people and animals needing someone special to come along. Her cheerful spirit and ready smile meant that she made friends wherever she went.

Lydia loved working in her flower garden and spending time with her grandchildren. She was always ready for a shopping trip.

Our mother and grandmother will be greatly missed, but will forever be in our hearts.

Lydia was preceded in death by her husband, Frank C. McWhirter, Jr.; her father, Earl Smith; her mother, Mattie Lee Smith; and three brothers, Willie Edward Smith, James Earl Smith, and Jimmy Wayne Smith.

Survivors include Lydia's three daughters, Carol M. Collins of Hoover, AL, Sharon K. McWhirter of Montevallo, and Deborah L. Kilgore of North Augusta, SC; grandchildren, Zachary D. Negri of Hoover, Nikole Addy of Batesburg, SC, and Courtney Kilgore of North Augusta, SC; three great-grandchildren; one sister, Bobbie Jean Powell of Centreville, AL; and two brothers, Marvin Smith of Pleasant Grove, AL and David Smith of Montgomery, AL.

Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Thursday, September 3, 2015 at Ridout's Southern Heritage Funeral Home in Pelham, AL. The funeral service will be at 2 p.m. on Friday, September 4, 2015 in Ridout's Southern Heritage Chapel, Pelham, and burial will follow at Southern Heritage Cemetery, Pelham. Rev. Bill Johnston will officiate.