Alma Jane "Granny" Smith a longtime resident of Lake City, FL passed away Friday, February 6, 2015 from a sudden illness. She was born April 25, 1928 in Raiford, FL and was raised in Lake Butler FL. She was the daughter of the late John Ervin and Allie Andrews Dekle. She is preceded in death by her two brothers, John Ervin (J.E.) and Donald James (Sonny). She is survived by her twin sister Ann Yarbrough and her sister Frances Hanlon. She was the wife of Max Arthur Smith, Sr. and they had two children, Jane Ann (Steve) Williams and Max Arthur (Debbie) Smith, Jr.; 4 grandchildren, Nicki (Matthew) Boshell, Trey (Hayley) Smith, Bridgett (Jimmy) Byrd, and Beth (Clinton) Sparkman; 10 grandchildren, Ava, Levi, Jakob (coming soon), Faith, Kimberly, Aaron, Gavin, Brian, Winston, and Jessalyn ; 3 nieces, Linda, Susie and Lucy; 6 nephews, Hervey, Bob, Bill, Reggie, Rodney, Jake and many cousins, grandnieces, grandnephews and other family members.
Alma Jane "Granny" Smith was a strong and loving Christian who was a member of Gateway Baptist Church and devoted to her family. She was a night nurse for over 50 years and her caring and loving heart eased the pain of all those in her care. She loved reading the Bible, daily devotions, drinking "hot" coffee and enjoying her lake view, gospel music, K-Mart shopping, talking on the phone , and good conversation. Her greatest joy was spending time with family. She will be missed deeply by her family and many others who experienced the joy of knowing her.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, February 12, 2015 at Gateway Baptist Church with Pastor Rick McCall officiating. Interment will follow in Dekle Cemetery in Union County. Visitation with the family will be held Wednesday evening, February 11, 2015, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, at www.kidney.org
Gateway-Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 3596 S. US Hwy 441, Lake City, FL. 32025. (386) 752-1954. Online at www.gatewayforestlawn.com