Mrs. Willie Smith

Willie Earl Smith, the daughter of the late Richard Hardy, St., and Joanna Clinton Hardy, began her life's journey on October 17, 1952, in Daleville, MS. She was called to her heavenly home on April 13, 2024. Affectionately known by friends and family as "Will Earl," Willie grew up in St. Mark United Methodist Church and was raised up the road from the church. She graduated from Middleton Attendance Center in 1971 where she played the clarinet in the band. After graduating from high school, Willie married the love of her life, Thomas Smith, Sr. In their 50 years of matrimo-ny, Willie and Thomas lived for a short time in Billings, MI, where Thomas was stationed in the Air Force. They mainly resided in Meridian and Daleville where they raised their family and provided unconditional and boundless love and support to family and friends. Willie gifted everyone with her love and laughter. She tenderly cared for numerous family members until their sunsets, and she did all she could to nurture and encourage those around her. Just as Willie's spirit of generosity was limitless, so, too, was her vivacious spirit. Willie was a prankster, and she told hilarious jokes. Whenever you saw her, you left with a grin on your face and a smile in your heart. Willie always made you feel better with her humor and laughter. Willie was a proud mainstay in the Daleville community. She treasured the people and traditions of the community. Willie knew multiple generations in many families in Daleville. Also, she often recounted stories going back to the 1800s that were passed down by ancestors. Willie truly will be missed by all who knew and loved her--her family, friends, the St. Mark United Methodist Church, Daleville, and St. Francis Apartments communities, her co-workers from Avery Dennison, and her Middleton classmates. Willie leaves fond memories to be cherished by her: children, Gregory Lamar Smith (Medes) of Bay St. Louis, MS, and Thomas Smith, Jr. (Shieca) of Meridian, MS; and grandchildren, Samara Smith, Jakarius Short, Madison Hopson, Alaisah Dubose, Michael Smith, Brianna Smith, Tianna Smith, and Ava Grace Smith. Willie's memories also will be cherished by her: brothers, Columbus Hardy, Sr., of Meridian, MS, Henry Hardy of Me-ridian, MS, Richard Hardy, Jr., of St. Louis, MO, and Kenneth Hardy (Mary) of Daleville, MS; brother-in-law, Caleb Smith of Denver, CO; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends. Willie is predeceased by her: husband, Thomas Smith, Sr.; son, Cedric Terrell Smith; parents, Richard Hardy, Sr., and Joanna Clinton Hardy; grandson, Quadarius Short; sisters, Lallie Hardy and Grace Hardy; mother-in-law, Rena Delk; maternal grandparents, Tom Clinton, Jr., and Pearl Cole Clinton; and paternal grandparents, Clyde Hardy, Ida Palm Hardy, and Lallie Palm Christian.

Mrs. Willie Smith

October 17, 1951 - April 13, 2024