Born October 18, 1971, in Valdosta, Ms. Smith grew up there and graduated from Lowndes High School in 1989. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Valdosta State University, graduating with honors in both English and history. She later obtained certifications in education and as a paralegal. She worked for 20 years at the Advent Christian Village in Dowling Park Fla., using her talents and training to serve and bless the non-profit retirement community.

Ms. Smith was known for her radiant smile, quick wit, and joyful spirit. She loved to laugh, tell jokes, and fill her apartment with unique decorative treasures that reflected her personality.

Diagnosed with

Smith

Friedreich’s Ataxia at the age of 13, she faced the challenges of this neurological disease with courage and grace. Ms. Smith spent 20 years in a wheelchair and, seven years ago, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She entered hospice care in December 2024.

Ms. Smith was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Dr. Leo Smith and Dorothy Elizabeth Quillian Smith of Waycross, and her maternal grandparents, Benny Ruth Adams Swink of Lake Park, Ga., and Lloyd John Swink of Williamsburg, Va.

She is survived by her loving parents, Georgia Sibyl Swink Smith of Tallahassee, Fla., and Dr. Frank Quillian Smith of Dowling Park; her siblings, Sandra Adams Smith Cole (Russ) of Tallahassee, Susan Diane Smith White (Peter) of Springfield, Ill., and Scott Frank Smith (Kathryn); nieces and nephew Anna Cate Cole, Allyson White Buehrens (Thomas), Peter Ross White (Seema), and Caroline Quillian Woodruff (David); greatniece Maxine Diane Buehrens; and her dear friend and longtime caregiver, Sabrina Galvin.

Ms. Smith will be remembered for her humor, determination, resilience, and the inspiration she brought to the lives of those around her.

A graveside service was held Saturday, May 17 in Oakland Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to: Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance, https://www.curefa.org/, Advent Christian Village https://www.acvillage.net/ or Haven Hospice in Lake City, Fla., https://havenhospice. com.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.milesodumfuneralhome. com Miles-Odum Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.