Addie "Bobbie" (Johnson) Smithson

Addie Alize “Bobbie” Johnson Smithson, age 92, of Cottondale, passed away at home on September 4, 2026, surrounded by her sisters, family, caregivers, and friends. A Celebration of Bobbie’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 12, at Rosedale Baptist Church with Pastors Jimmy Garner and Quanah Spence officiating. Burial will follow in Memory Hill Gardens. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service.

Bobbie was preceded in death by her husband, Morris “Shine” Smithson; parents, Major and Venola Johnson; brother, Gussie Johnson; sisters, Inez Johnson, Oneal Smithson, Ernestine Peeples, Peggy Joe Madison, and Ann Johnson; and grandson Anthony “Lee/Ant” Smithson.

Survivors include her daughter, Pam Parsons of Vestavia Hills; son, Anthony “Tony” Smithson (Deborah) of Northport; grandsons Zach Smithson (Mary) of Cleveland, OH; David Parsons (Lyndsey) of Providence, RI; and John Parsons of Vestavia Hills; and one great-grandson, Arlo Smithson. She is also survived by five sisters: Nena Davis, Clara Weaver, Kay Glover (Larry), Faye Corley (Willard), and Jan Wedgeworth (Grover). Nieces Sue McSpadden and Joan Jackson loved her like a second mother, and she loved them like daughters. Another “adopted” daughter was neighbor Sandra Harding, who became part of the family.

Bobbie was born at home in Hale County, Alabama, the fourth daughter of twelve children—eleven of whom were girls. She was given the name Addie Alize at birth, but almost no one knew her by that name. When her older sister tried to say “baby,” all she could manage was “Bobbie.” For her whole life, she was Bob or Bobbie. She graduated from Moundville High School and in her yearbook, it says: “She not only makes As but eyes.” She was not only smart, but she was also beautiful as well.

Upon graduation, she moved to Tuscaloosa, like many of her sisters, to work and send money back home. Her older sister, Neal, had recently married James Smithson, and they moved in with James’ family in Tuscaloosa. Bobbie was invited to live with the Smithsons in a household that included Neal’s father-in-law. Morris, who was the baby of the family, had been away serving in the Army and returned home to find a full house.

That full house now included Bobbie, with whom he had been acquainted in Moundville. However, when he left for the Army, Bobbie was just a young schoolgirl. When he returned, he discovered a beautiful young woman living in his home. It didn’t take him long to convince her to marry him! When she married Morris, the father-in-law of her sister became Bobbie’s father-in-law as well. Yes! Brothers married sisters, and that’s how your children become double-first cousins!

After a short courtship, they tied the knot and began a 73-year love story built on unconditional love, faith, and family. They modeled that love to others by opening their home and hearts to anyone and everyone. Bobbie and Morris had a remarkable way of making people feel loved. Whether you were related by blood or simply happened into their lives, you were part of their family.

She loved her children and made many sacrifices as a stay-at-home mom. In their early years, Morris’ fireman’s salary wasn’t so great, and he always worked two jobs to support the family. Bobbie took care of the home, cooked all the meals (eating at a restaurant was almost unheard of), planted gardens, and canned food. Her canned green beans were the absolute best. She also provided much of the discipline that shaped her children’s futures. She loved her family so much, proudly celebrating their wins and grieving their losses. She was a loving, supportive grandmother, opening her home for Lee and David to live with them during university. She was, without doubt, a Proverbs 31 wife and mother.

After her children got a little older, Bobbie worked retail at Gayfer’s for many years. Her seamstress skills were often put to good use when someone needed a fast alteration. She would take a newly purchased item, make the necessary changes, and have them out the door in no time. Many men, and their wives, sought out Bobbie to help them mix and match the right ensemble. If she wasn’t at work, they would just come back later when she was there.

She had many talents and passions, including quilting and crocheting. She kept busy until the end, crocheting washcloths. If you visited, she was going to offer you one of her creations—just ask any nurse, doctor, caregiver. And if you stayed long enough, you would be expected to sit at the coffee table and put in a few pieces on a puzzle with her. She needed to stay busy and always wanted to bless others.

She loved her Atlanta Braves and anything Alabama. She loved to go fishing and was even planning a trip with her caregivers just before her passing. She and Morris traveled across the country, and her first—and only—plane ride was to visit Tony, Deborah, and Lee in Trinidad and Tobago. She was a brave and fearless soul, largely because she trusted completely in her Savior, Jesus Christ. She expected Him to take care of her in every situation—and He always did.

Bobbie, along with Morris, was a long-time member of Rosedale Baptist Church. She sang in the choir, taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, and served alongside Morris as a deacon’s wife. Together they visited folks in the hospital, took food to the sick and recovering, and lovingly served others. They were faithful in supporting and attending Rosedale up until the time health made it difficult.

When Morris passed away on August 8, those who knew the depth of their love were not surprised that Bobbie followed him so soon. After 73 years together, life without Morris was simply not the same. Her cause of death may be listed as “natural causes,” but to all who knew them, she really died from a broken heart. Bobbie and Morris are together again—healed, whole, and still in love, just as they were throughout their lives. Even in our grief, we celebrate that reunion. We will miss you but look forward to seeing you both again someday.

Pallbearers will be grandsons Zach Smithson, David Parsons, and John Parsons; nephews Rodney Corley and Tim Weaver; cousin Doug Henry; and great nephews Austin and Dylan Corley.

Honorary pallbearers are past and present members of Rosedale Baptist Church; Adoration Hospice (formerly Oasis Healthcare) staff, especially Scott Peters, Lathan Lawrence, and Paul Hurst; Dr. Scott Fulgham and staff; and VA staff Lisa Morris and Dr. Avinash Nichani who always checked in on Mom while visiting Morris.

A special thank you to her beloved caregivers: Sherry Booker, Brenda Pickens, Monica Tidmore, and Margie Hagler. She loved each of you and never failed to tell others how much she appreciated how you took care of her. You are and always will be family. Thank you for being there for her at the end.

Mom loved flowers; however, she loved her church even more. In lieu of flowers, donations to Rosedale Baptist Church would be greatly appreciated.