LAILAH SMITH

Lailah Smith, a resident of McCalla, AL passed away peacefully at home on August 9, 2015 at the age of 84. Born on April 17, 1931, she was preceded in death by her husband Archie Smith; son Edward Stephen Smith, parents John Ollis Lantrip and Cleo Morrison Lantrip, brother John Edward (Johnny) Lantrip, sister Jo Ann Waid, and granddaughter Krista Adkins. She is survived by her brother Douglas Lantrip (Gail) of Chelsea and sister Faye Brown of Minor. She is survived by her children Carol Sosnin (Carl) of Birmingham, Linda Brown (Ernie) of Hueytown, Debbie Bishop (Gary) of McCalla, and Archie Smith of McCalla; her grandchildren Troy Adkins of Arlington, Virginia, Amy Boyle (Jamie) of Huntsville, Bryan Gamble (Jennifer) of McCalla, Ashley Grizzell (Benjamin) of Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, Danielle Turner (Jason) of Woodstock, Carl Sosnin of Birmingham, and Whitney Smith of Woodstock; her great-grandchildren Jack and Andrew Boyle of Huntsville, Tyler, Tayler, and Tinsley Gamble of McCalla, Madisyn Turner of Woodstock, and Kristen and Jess Grizzell of Lookout Mountain. Lailah was born and raised in the Concord community, attending Hueytown High School, and a member of Concord Baptist Church. She was a loving wife and mother whose life was centered around her family. After her children left the nest, she served as a substitute teacher for Jefferson County Schools and worked at both Liberty National Life Insurance and Fortis Benefits. She was an avid reader and loved crossword puzzles. Known as "Granny" by all, friends and family alike, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy. She will be greatly missed by a host of friends, particularly those at her church, Crossway Baptist. She was caring, kind, loving, and generous of spirit. Our loss is heaven's gain. The family will receive visitors Friday, August 14, 2015, from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM at Peoples Chapel Funeral Home. A celebration of Lailah's life will be held at 2:00 PM at the Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Concord Baptist Church Cemetery. The family extends their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Stephen Beck, Dr. Noah Fitzpatrick, and Hope Hospice nurses.