Margarette Velma Brannon Smith, 86, passed away peacefully at her residence on Sunday, April 28, 2024, after a brief illness.

She was born Jan. 3, 1938 to James Lee and Mary Brannon, in Fayetteville, Tennessee, one of eight daughters.

Velma was a retired employee of Serbin and Blue Ridge Manufacturing, worked in child daycare and was a member of Calvary Christian Fellowship, where she taught Sunday school and worked in the nursery.

She was married to James Lee Smith, who died in 1995. In addition to him, and her parents, she was predeceased by sisters, Frances Smith, Dorothy Brannon, Alma Meeks, Eunice Norris, and Jean Roney; a great-granddaughter, Zoe Brannon Parker, and several brothers-in-law.

She is survived by her three sons, David (Betty) Smith, of Killen, Alabama, Dwight (Carman) Smith, of Fayetteville, Tennessee, and Kevin Smith, of Memphis, Tennessee; five grandchildren, Mindy (Corey) Crittenden, Carrah (Bryant) Lash, Brittany (Brandon) Hickson, Anna (Coby) Moon, and Caleb Smith; sisters Marie (C.L.) Norris, of Horseshoe, North Carolina and Faye (late Ronald) Hollis, of Fayetteville, Tennessee; 11 great-grandchildren; and many loving nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Funeral services were held Saturday, May 4, 2024. in the chapel of Gallant-Riverview Funeral Home with Dwight Smith and David Smith officiating. Burial followed in Riverview Memorial Gardens.

Gallant-Riverview Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Velma B. Smith.