Judith Gail Smith

Judith Gail Smith, age 82, of Phenix City, Alabama, passed away peacefully in the early hours of Monday morning, January 19, 2026, surrounded by the love and comfort of her family at her home.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM (EST) on Friday, January 23, 2026, at Epworth Methodist Church, with Rev. Chris Herbert officiating and Dr. Larry Bryars giving the eulogy. Interment will follow at Lakeview Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends on Thursday evening from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 PM (EST) at Vance Brooks Funeral Home in Phenix City, AL. Honorary pallbearers will be nephews, Michael Smith, Chris Smith, Clyde Mark Smith, Patrick Deloney, Mark O’Cain and Steve Lewack.

Mrs. Smith was born on August 31, 1943, in Columbus, Georgia, to the late Charles Melvin Daye and Ethel Roberta Corbitt Daye. She was a devoted member of Epworth Methodist Church, where she faithfully served for many years. Judy sang in the choir, lovingly worked with children in the nursery and Sunday School was a member of the United Methodist Women's group, and participated in church bowling and softball leagues. She cherished her church family and made it a priority to know and care for everyone she met.

For more than 40 years, Judy served as the church secretary through the leadership of seven pastors, becoming an anchor to both staff and congregation. Her dedication and service helped shape the foundation of the church as it stands today.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Smith was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 56 years, Cody Thomas Smith, and her sister, Patricia Carden.

She is survived by her sons, Matt Smith of Phenix City, Alabama, and Andy Smith (Bill Johnson) of Fort Myers, Florida; her daughter, Alissa Stone (Ricky) of Midland, Georgia; her sister, LaDelle Dukes of Orangeburg, South Carolina; her grandchildren, Kennedy Stone and Tucker Stone (Emily); and her treasured great-grandson, Danny Allen Stone. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews, extended family members, her church family, and many dear friends.

Flowers are welcome, or memorial contributions may be made to the Epworth Methodist Church Children’s Programs in memory of Mrs. Judith Gail Smith at P. O. Box 430, Phenix City, AL 36868.