Mrs. Norma Ruth (Harrell) Smith

Norma Ruth Harrell Smith was born December 5, 1941, to the late Lillian Marbury Harrell and late Norman Harrell in Alexander City, AL. She confessed hope in Christ at an early age at Great Bethel Baptist Church.

Norma Ruth married Willie G. Smith and to that union two children were born, Derek (Paula) Smith of Montgomery, AL and Dontez Smith of Cleveland, OH.

She graduated from Laurel High School Class of 1959 and Cuyahoga Community College. She worked for several years at Fairview Hospital in Cleveland, OH earning an award for her service before retiring and moving back home to Alexander City, Al.

She served faithfully as a door keeper in the house of the Lord until her health challenges. For twenty-two years, she brought light and laughter to Chapman Nursing Home where they affectionately called her ”Norma Jean”.

Preceding her in death were, her mother Lillian Howard, bonus father Charles Howard, Sr., uncle, James “June” Marbury, Jr.; aunt, Ruth Marbury; grandparents, James and Lucy Marbury; Victoria and Tom Harrell; brother/cousins, Tommy Marbury and Larry Marbury; brother-in-law, Eddie B. Tolbert, and her grandson, Don-Tez “Smurf” Lamar Curlee.

In addition to her children, she leaves to cherish her memory and celebrate her life and legacy, a loving devoted sister Jerrie Ann (Eddie B.) Tolbert, siblings, Charlie Howard, Jr. of Richmond, KY and Lucy Howard of Louisville, KY, grandchildren: Corneze LeBron Smith Sr; Robert Norman Smith, Isaiah Justin Smith; Doniea L. Smith; Starlisha Briani Penn; great-grandchildren: Kailyn Ahbreanna Smith, Trinity Ayanna Smith, Corneze LeBron Smith Jr.; nieces, Sondrea L. Tolbert, Karmen (Bayram) Vantanserver, Alyiyah Howard; nephews, Bernardo (Sherrye) Tolbert; D’Van Howard; great nephew, Tyler Tolbert; great niece Taylor Tolbert; aunt, Fannie Bell Boleware; and special caregiver, Erica Heard.

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