Patsy Ruth Smith

Patsy Ruth Melvin Smith passed peacefully on November 12, 2024, at Marianna Health and Rehab. Patsy was born on September 8, 1931, in Columbus, Georgia, to Mary Esther Cumbaa and James Joseph Melvin. She married Donald Spurgeon Smith of Alford, Florida, in 1949. They lived all over the continental US, Hawaii, and even Japan during his service time with the US Army. After retiring, they moved back to Alford.

Patsy was an excellent cook, seamstress, and avid gardener. She took pride in her well-manicured yard with a vast variety of plants. Patsy was an active member of the Alford Community, especially during her husband's service as mayor of Alford. She was also a member of the Red Hat Society. She was a member of Alford First United Methodist Church. Patsy and Donald had been married for over 50 years at the time of his passing in 2004.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and her children Virginia "Ginger" Langford, Donald S. Smith Jr., and Teresa Skipper. She was also preceded in death by her siblings, James Joseph "Snooks" Melvin Jr., Joyce Ann Rodgers, and Buena Faye Singleton. 

Patsy is survived by her daughter, Marcia Smith, and son-in-law, Ferrell Skipper, both of Alford, and five grandchildren: Christine Nemeth Alvarez (Tony), Casey Skipper (Tanya), Donald Smith III (Angela), Jesse Kelly (Lindsay), Justin Kelly (Madisyn), and 11 great-grandchildren.  

Graveside services will be 3 PM Saturday, November 16, 2024 at Alford City Cemetery in Alford, Florida with James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing.