Iris Smith Obituary

Iris La Faye Smith, 91, of Jay, Florida, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.

She was a cherished member of the Jay Church of Christ, where she worshipped alongside her children and grandchildren, dedicating many years to teaching Bible classes. Affectionately known as "Grandmama" by her grandchildren and "Red-headed Grandmama" by her great-grandchildren, she brought joy and love to all.

Born on February 19, 1934, in Wicksburg, Alabama, a quaint farming community near Dothan, she moved to Jay with the Scott family in 1939 at the age of five. From a young age, Faye's heart was devoted to her church, home, and family. She viewed her role as a homemaker as the most important profession for women. For over thirty years, she served as a bookkeeper for Smith Farms while lovingly caring for her home and raising her children. Faye was celebrated for her culinary skills, particularly her quail dressing, festive red Christmas punch, and Hamburger Corn Casserole.

A passionate football fan, she never missed an SEC game, even in her later years. Faye fondly remembered her days spent fishing on the Alabama River and cherished her experiences attending Elvis concerts with friends. Known for her sense of humor, she delighted in telling jokes and shared countless hours playing "Contract Rummy" with her children and grandchildren.

As a devoted wife and mother, she spent joyful hours in the family garden, picking peas and butterbeans, teaching her children to speak "good" English while shelling peas together. A talented seamstress, she crafted beautiful Easter dresses and prom gowns for her daughters. Faye's love for Christmas was evident in the delight she took in shopping for the perfect gift for each family member, the joyful sounds of Christmas music filling the home, and her meticulous decorations that brought holiday cheer to every corner.

Faye was preceded in death by Lewie Frank Smith, the father of her children; her parents, Raymond Douglas Scott and Etha Mattie Nichols Scott; her brother, Raymond Max Scott; her sisters, Tiny Lousie Buffington and Peggy Gail (Wayne) Godwin; her lifelong friend, Audrey Shell; and a host of nephews, nieces, and cousins.

She is survived by her four children, one son, Lewie Joe (Susan) Smith; three daughters, Connie Denise (Mark) Autrey, Sharon Lynn Patrick, and Jeanna Charlene (David) English; as well as 14 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, July 28, 2025 at Jay Church of Christ, 4043 Highway 4, Jay, Florida with visitation from 2:00-3:00pm and service at 3:00pm. Interment will immediately follow the service at Jay Cemetery.

Honorary Pallbearers will be her seven granddaughters, Tracey Renee (Rick) Norris, Jodie Suzanne (Jacob) Spillers, Sheena Lynn (Oscar) Locklin, Megan Julet (Josh) Lewis, Katie Leigh (Charles) Porter, Krista Mia Autrey, and Kathryn Ruth English.

Active Pallbearers will be her seven grandsons, Rhett Jackson Autrey, Travis Joseph (Brittany) Smith, John Mark Patrick, Joe Keith English, Micheal David English, Austin Joel Albert Autrey, and Stephen Smith (Caitlyn) English.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. C. David Smith and his staff, Vitas Healthcare (Abbey and Melissa), and Health Coordinator Lindsey Rios. A special thanks to her wonderful caretakers, Anita Miller, Barbara Shipp, and Fran Wild, for their loving care and support until the very end.

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