Linda Faye Smith

With hearts full of gratitude and sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved Linda Faye Ross Smith, who took her final breath - unafraid and with an open heart - surrounded by her loved ones on November 2, 2026 at the age of 82. A woman of extraordinary beauty, grace and kindness.

Linda spent her life loving Jesus and serving others. She was the pianist at Holly Grove Freewill Baptist Church for over 40 years. She was a steady face at Wells Fargo Bank, where she worked for 37 years. Her customers would often wait longer in line just so they could go to her teller window. Her warmth and kindness was palpable. She loved traveling with Jimmy and attending gospel sings.

Linda was complex. She was funny. She was tough. She was graceful and absolutely one of a kind.

And though the world feels a little dimmer without her in it, we carry her with us - in our fierce independence and the way we show up for the people that we love. She is survived by a legacy of strength, compassion and charm and leaves behind not just for her family but a blueprint for living with courage, humor and grace.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harvey and Lena Ross; her late husband, Jimmy Smith; and her only child, Lisa Collins (surviving spouse, Anthony Collins).

She is survived by her sister, Pamela Ross Wages (late husband, Jack Wages); granddaughter, Jessica Chaddock (husband, David); grandson, Jeremy Collins (wife, Jami); granddaughters, Kameron Chaddock and Teigan Chaddock; great-grandsons, Kyle Collins (wife, Amber), and Jayce Chaddock; as well as six great-great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be 3 PM Friday, November 6, 2026 at James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel. The family will receive friends from 2:30 PM until the time of service.