Judith Ellen Smith

Judith Ellen Smith, 78, of Marianna, Florida, peacefully passed from this life on December 10, 2025.

Born on April 27, 1947, in Chipley, Florida, Ellen was the daughter of the late Hughie Jewell Kent and Nellie Ramsey Kent.

A devoted educator, Ellen dedicated more than two decades to teaching elementary school, beginning at Riverside and retiring from Golson Elementary. Throughout her career, she touched countless young lives, nurturing not only her students’ minds but also lifelong friendships.

Ellen found joy in traveling with her dear friends, the “Beach Bunch,” who cherished her sharp wit and warm humor. A woman of deep faith, she served her church family faithfully as a Sunday School teacher and through other ministries, always eager to share Christ’s love. Her laughter brightened any room, her smile was unforgettable and her love was unconditional.

Ellen was preceded in death by her parents; her in-laws, Hermon and Bob Smith; her sister, Elizabeth Peavy; and her nephew, Jerry Austin.

She is lovingly remembered by her husband of 57 years, Garrie Smith; her two sons, Eric Smith (Kerry) and Lee Smith; her cherished grandchildren, Erica Creel, Neal, Kendall, Mary Ellen, and Stephen Smith; one great-grandchild; brother-in-law, Robert Smith; sister-in-law, Bonnie Smith; and nephews, Steve Austin (Tasha), Kevin, Michael, and Ryan Smith.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, December 15, 2025, at Marianna Chapel Funeral Home with Reverends David Beigle and Bill Stephens officiating. Interment will follow at Cypress Creek Community Church Cemetery in Alford, FL, under the direction of Marianna Chapel Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations of school supplies to local elementary schools in honor of Ellen’s dedication to education.

The family would like to thank Joe Baxley, Travis Bruner, JD Johnson, Jackson Kent, Kit Reagan, and Paul Tucker for serving as pallbearers and the Women’s Sunday School Class of East Side Baptist Church for their ongoing love, prayers, and support through the years.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Lambe Family at Marianna Chapel Funeral Home.

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