Georgia Lanell Smith (Nell), lovingly known as “Momma,” “Mamaw,”  “Momma Nell,” and “Nellie Bell” passed away peacefully at the age of 93, surrounded by her four daughters, just as she would have wanted. She entered heaven with grace and beauty, leaving behind a legacy of love that will never fade.

She was born on May 10,1932, to Ruby and Frank Taylor of Smithdale, Mississippi.

She married the love of her life, Sherill Smith, on April 14, 1955. Together they built a life centered on love and family, raising their four daughters: Terry, Sherri, Lisa, and Leigh.

In her early years, Nell worked as a telephone operator in Natchez, Ms., during a time when party lines were common. She often shared fond and humorous stories about the conversations she would overhear—stories that brought laughter to those around her. She later worked as a telephone operator for Armstrong Rubber Company. After becoming a mother, she devoted herself fully to raising and nurturing her daughters, creating a home filled with care, warmth, and REALLY good food. When her youngest entered elementary school, she returned to work as a paraprofessional at Mabelvale Elementary in Little Rock, Arkansas, a role that brought her great joy and fulfillment.

Some of her very favorite cherished memories were having all her girls, along with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, gathered at home. She believed wholeheartedly that the more, the merrier. She cherished summers spent at the ballpark, watching her girls play softball—moments that brought her immense pride and happiness. In her younger years, she played basketball, which sparked her lifelong love of sports. She enjoyed all sports, but especially loved cheering on the Ole Miss Rebels and was a devoted Rebel fan through and through.

Nothing brought Momma more joy than her family. Left behind with cherished memories are her four daughters and their families: Terry Strain (Allen) and their sons Cory (Erica), Andrew, and Stephen (Alex); Sherri Bull (Sonny) and their sons Justin(Meredith) and Brian (Devin); Lisa Watson (Steve) and her sons Hunter (Charlene) Alex (Hannah), and Ben; and Leigh Polanski (Matt) and their children Morgan (Derrick), Grayson (Avery), and Cameron. As her family continued to grow, so did her heart, and she was blessed with 18 great-grandchildren: Nora Grace, Chandler, Layla, Bronson, Jake, and Sophie Strain; Jaxson, Nash, Brooks, Brayden, Sutton, and Daxton Bull; Tuff Dodson, Silas and Asa Sadler, Miller and Madden Curnutte; and Kane Gray Polanski. All of them were her pride and joy.

She is also survived by her sisters Jonita Hancock; Shirley Schaal (Allen); Peggy Hartsfield (Jim). Others near and dear to her heart were her brothers-in- law Jay Dyess, Lancy (Judy) Smith, Michael (Pat) Smith, sister-in-law Linda Sue Ryan along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, as well as a host of additional family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband and our daddy, Sherill Smith, her parents, Frank and Ruby Taylor; her brother, Cecil Taylor; and her sisters, Morie Delaughter and Bobbie Dyess.

Mom was a longtime woman of faith. She was a devoted member of Ebenezer Methodist Church in McCall Creek, MS. While living in Little Rock, she joined and attended Mabelvale Methodist Church for many years. Upon returning to Little Rock in 2019, she attended Grace Church in Hensley, Arkansas pastored by Tommy Jones whom she absolutely adored.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to A Natural State Funeral Service in Jacksonville, Arkansas, for their compassionate care and for helping bring her back home to rest beside her beloved husband in Mississippi.

Hartman Jones Funeral Home in McComb, Mississippi will handle the arrangements, with a celebration of her beautiful life to be held at Ebenezer Methodist Church on Friday, May 1, 2026. Visitation will take place at 12:00pm with the service starting at 1:00pm. Interment will take place at Ebenezer Methodist Church Cemetery.

The family would also like to express their deep love and appreciation to the original staff of The Manor in Little Rock, Arkansas, who cared for and loved Mom so well—she loved you dearly, and you will always be family. Additional thanks go to the staff at Poplar Grove in Little Rock for the care and kindness they showed her during her time there, where she quickly became a favorite. The family is especially grateful to the Gentiva Hospice team, and to Mendy, whose compassion and support helped guide her home. We are truly thankful for all who loved her so well and for the overwhelming support shown to our family. We are eternally grateful.

She will be remembered for her kindness, her gentle strength, her sense of humor, and the deep love she gave so freely. Her presence was a blessing, and her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

Ebenezer Methodist Church
4596 Bogue Chitto Road SE
McCall Creek, MS 39647

— OR —

Grace Church Building Fund
24300 US-167, Hensley, AR. 72065

Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com