Dewey Bernell Smith (89) was born May 6, 1933 in Tippah County, MS to Ernest and Melville Carter Smith and died at Landmark Nursing Home in Booneville, MS on Jan.21, 2023. He graduated from Blue Mountain High School (1951), Northeast Jr. College and Mississippi State University with a degree in Math (1955). He later earned his Master’s Degree in School Administration from MSU. After serving in the U.S. Army, he was a Math teacher/Coach/ Principal at Chalybeate, Weir, Blue Mountain, Clermont (FL), Marietta and Hills Chapel Schools.
On May 27, 1961, he married Mary Lynn Smith. They were married for 61 years and loved traveling together. Bernell enjoyed gardening and watching sports. He especially enjoyed watching his grandchildren play basketball/softball and Mississippi State games – any sport! He never met a stranger! They faithfully attended First Baptist Church, Booneville as long as they were able.
A Celebration of life will be at 1:00 P.M. on Monday, January 23, 2022 at McMillan Funeral Home with Dr. Lynn Jones, Bro. Jason Reed and Bro. Carter Smith officiating. Burial will be in the Booneville Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. on Monday.
He is survived by his wife, his two daughters – Mary Nell Smith (Jackie) and Betty Gale Geno (Kent)- all of Booneville. His grandchildren – Carter Paul Smith, Kenny Paul Geno , Cora Noel Geno (fiancé -Jake Scott)- all of Booneville and Carmen Lynn Smith(fiancé – Jeremy Kennedy) of Oxford, MS. His only surviving sibling of nine children, Lamar Smith (Peggy) of Florence, MS and a host of nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents and siblings – Leone Kent, Palmer Smith, Joe Smith, Arlena Hasel, Mary Ruth Brew, JC Smith and Jesse Graham.
Honorary Pallbearers will be members of the Isaac Sunday School Class, First Baptist Church.
Memorials can be made to Blue Mountain Christian University, PO Box 160, Blue Mountain, MS 38610
(Please designate - Melville Carter Smith Scholarship).
Condolences may be left at www.mcmillanfuneralhome.com
