Johnnie Mae Smith

Obituary For Johnnie Mae Smith

Mrs. Johnnie Mae Colbert Smith was born on October 16, l946, to the late Mrs. Cora Lee Lyons Quiller and the late Mr. Johnny Colbert in Thomaston, Upson County, Georgia. At an early age, she joined the old Shady Grove Baptist Church. She was baptized on August 17, l958.

She was educated in the public school of Upson County and graduated from Drake High School. After high school, she attended Fort Valley State College and earned her B.S. degree in Education. She began her teaching career in the public school of Upson County in August 1969 at Thurston Elementary School. On June 8, l972, she began teaching in the Lamar County School System at the Barnesville Primary School. During the l984-85 school year, she was honored as the Teacher of the Year. Her teaching career spanned 28 years in the public school system.

Johnnie Mae met Mr. Herman Smith. On July 13, l971, they were joined in holy matrimony. To this union, two children were born, Leslie and Reginald. She was a loving wife, devoted mother and grandmother. They shared fifteen years together until his passing on July 21, l986.

Johnnie Mae loved her church and served faithfully. She served as a clerk of the church for many years. She was a member of the Usher Board, Youth Director for the youth choir, took pride in

putting on Easter and Christmas programs and helped with Vacation Bible School. She recommitted to Shady Grove Baptist Church on March 18, 2007, and continued faithfully as long as her health

allowed.

During her leisure time, she enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, teaching and tutoring the children in the neighborhood, singing, dancing, and talking and laughing with family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two sisters, Betty Ann Quiller and Gloria Searcy, one brother, Melve Colbert, and a host of loving aunts and uncles. On Monday, March 10, 2025, the Lord called his daughter home from labor to reward. Her spirit peacefully returned to her Heavenly Father. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends and all the lives she touched.

She leaves to cherish her memory, two children, Ms. Leslie Smith of Thomaston, GA and Mr. Reginald (Adrienne) Smith of Mableton, GA; three grandchildren, Maya Smith of Atlanta, GA, Christian Smith and Noah Smith both of Mableton, GA; sisters and brothers include, Ms. Louise Colbet of Roberta, GA, Mr. Billy (Barbara) Quiller, Mrs. Lynette (Alan) Montgomery, Mr. Dennis Colbert, Ms. Priscilla Colbert all of Thomaston, GA, Mrs. Phyllis Colbert Loving of Griffin, GA, Mr. Joel Keith (Yolanda) Colbert of Brooks, GA and Mrs. Deborah Colbert (Alfred) Trice of Rex, GA; sisters and brothers-in-law include, Ms. Ann Smith, Mr. Curtis Smith, Mrs. Shelia Colbert all of Thomaston, GA, Ms. Carolyn Pringle of IN and Mr. Horace Searcy of Atlanta, GA; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.