Ethel Smith, 86, better known as Granny, Nip, Momma Nip, Assa, departed this life on October 26, 2020, at Crestwood Medical Center in Huntsville, Alabama. She leaves behind a wealth of memories that have captured the hearts of those who love her.

Ethel Smith was born on September 21, 1934, in New Market, Alabama to the late Deacon Carter and Mother Clara Smith. She was preceded in death by four sisters and three brothers. Ethel accepted the Lord as her Savior in 1948 and joined Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church where she served many years as a member of the Senior Choir.

Her early years were spent working on the farm in the backwoods of New Market, driving a tractor with great skill down country roads. Ethel and her sisters made the newspaper for picking a bale of cotton per day, for three consecutive days. In 1977, Ethel moved with her family to Huntsville where she found work as a domestic worker in various capacities. Her domestic skills were unmatched, as she never met a wrinkle she couldn't straighten nor a stain she couldn't remove. While domestic work was Ethel's primary occupation, she also served as a driver's ed teacher (i.e., a backseat driver), childcare provider, curator, mail sorter, 411 operator, professional puzzler, and story-teller. Countless memories were created at "Teton" where it was always a challenge to hear the television over the hilarious conversations among the sisters.

Ethel loved spending time with her family, sitting on the porch, watching the news, and attending church. A dependable woman of strength and preparation has left us to remember that she showed love through action, honored her word, and never took God's simplest blessings for granted. May we always do the same.

Our beloved Granny is sorely missed and survived by her daughters: Roxanne S. Kyle (William) of Rockledge, Florida, and Rachel Smith of Huntsville, Alabama; sisters: Essie Mae Hawk of Chicago, Illinois, and Clara Thompson and Ludie Smith of Huntsville, Alabama; sister-in-law: Gladys Smith of Huntsville, Alabama; five grandchildren: Tammy Salter (Gary) of Mims, Florida; Korie Smith (Katrina) of Harvest, Alabama; Minnie Orr (Marcus) of Titusville, Florida; Amelia Stewart (Louis) of Seattle, Washington; and Kailyn Kyle of Tampa, Florida; nine great-grandchildren: Shai Salter, Sierra Salter, and Sanaya Salter of Mims, Florida; Shameria Roland (Andrew) of Fayetteville, North Carolina; Kyah Smith, Kayla Smith, and Korie Smith II of Harvest, Alabama; and Lauren Orr and Ryan Orr of Titusville, Florida; one great-great grandchild: Brooklyn Salter of Mims, Florida; special caring nieces: Vera Smith of Huntsville, Alabama and Carlos "Renea" Willis of Chicago, Illinois; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Funeral service for Ms. Ethel Smith will be Saturday, October 31, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. at Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church (292 Cemetery Road - New Market, AL) with Pastor Larry Davidson officiating.  Interment will be in Valhalla Memory Gardens. Social Distancing will be enforced and Face Masks are required .