Mrs. Rita Wall Smith, age 82, a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, peacefully went home to be with her Lord and Savior on April 20, 2025. Born on August 3, 1942, in Andalusia, Alabama, she was the daughter of the late Clarence G. and Mary Emma Wall. Rita called Saraland home for the past 58 years.
She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 54 years, George Terrence “Terry” Smith, and her sister Joann Daniels. She leaves behind a legacy of love through her children, Michael (Kathy) Smith of Chickasaw, Tonya (Jennifer) Smith of Mobile, her sister Janie (Stanley) Taylor of Saraland, and her sister-in-law Gwen Smith of Chickasaw.
Rita was lovingly known as “Mrs. Rita” during her years as the bookkeeper/secretary at Mt. Calvary Baptist School — a role she cherished. When the school closed, she continued her career with Drs. Oswalt and Garrett, which later became part of Mobile Infirmary’s Industrial Medical Clinic. She faithfully served there until her retirement in 2006, after 21 years of dedicated service.
She was a proud class of 1960 graduate of C.F. Vigor High School and enjoyed staying connected through her reunion planning committee and her meet-ups with former classmates. A long-time member of Redemption Church in Saraland, Rita was actively involved in her Sunday School class. Outside of church, she treasured her time in fellowship playing dominoes and Bunco with dear friends.
She is also survived by her loving grandchildren — Thomas (Mallory) Smith of Mobile, Mary Catherine (Hunter) Greene of Saraland, Bryson and Adyson Sudduth of Mobile — and great-grandchildren, Josie and Porter Smith, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends who brought her so much joy.
Funeral services will be held from Redemption Church in Saraland on Friday, April 25, 2025, at 2 p.m.
The family will receive friends at the church from 12:30 p.m. until the service hour. Interment will be in Mobile Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Thomas Smith, Allen McLean, Jonas Taylor, Derrick Rorex, Michael Bru and Paul Wylie. Honorary Pallbearers will be Bill Thurman, Hollis Davis, Ira Lewis, Charles Richard, Larry Gaddy, Hunter Green, and Scooter Daniels.
The family would like to express deep gratitude to Saad Hospice – The Retreat for the kind and compassionate care shown during her final days.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her memory to the Pancreatic Cancer Foundation or the Terry Smith Mission Fund at Redemption Church — both causes close to her heart. Condolences may be offered at www.radneyfuneralhome-saraland.com.
