Iris Adelle Smith

Hortense-Iris Middleton Smith, 81 of Hortense, passed away at her home Wednesday (April 3, 2013) after an extended illness. She was born June 18, 1931 to the late Benjamin Grooms Middleton and the late Sara Estelle Adams Middleton. She grew up in the Atkinson Community, but lived most of her adult life in Hortense. She was a member of the Hortense Wesleyan Church and faithfully served in many capacities, including Women's Missionary Director, Sunday School teacher and church pianist. In later life she was passionate in her support of persecuted Christians. She worked for many years in the Brantley County School System; she also taught private piano lessons. She was an excellent pianist and enjoyed playing and singing for others. She was married to Joseph J. Smith who survives her. She was preceded in death by a son, Byron Smith, and two grandsons, Luke Davis and Chad Lewis. She is survived by her black mama, Miss Lillie Watts, of Hortense; one sister, Hazel M. Crews (Dewey), of Jesup; three daughters and two sons-in-law, Evangeline S. Crews, of Pelion, SC, Gloria and Ronald Davis, of Hortense, and Wynell and Charles Lewis, of Hortense; two sons and one daughter-in-law, Barrett and Monnie Smith, of Sevierville, TN, and Darryl G. Smith, of Hortense; nine grandchildren; four great grandchildren. Also a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. The family will receive friends Thursday evening (April 4, 2013) from 6 PM- 8 PM, at Frye Funeral Home, Nahunta. Funeral Services will be held Friday morning (April 5, 2013) at 11 AM , at Hortense Wesleyan Church with Rev. Arnold M. Beard and Pastor Peter D. Lamos officiating. Interment will be in Hortense Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be grandsons, Byron Crews, Ethan Crews, Micah Davis, Garrett Lewis, Nathan Smith; and a nephew, Gary Middleton. Memorials may be made to Hortense Wesleyan Church: P.O. Box 99 Hortense, GA 31543.. Arrangements are with Frye Funeral Home, Nahunta. Sympathy may be expressed by signing our online registry at fryefh.com.