Melba Jean Smith

Melba Jean Smith of Gardendale, Al. born on June 14, 1937, in Cullman, Al. passed away peacefully on September 11, 2019. She was preceded in death by her parents Christopher and Lonie Ray of Cullman, her 5 brothers and 1 sister, and her beloved son Jerry Smith.

Jean is survived by her daughter Patti Herring (Tim) of Fultondale, and her son Wesley Smith (Gina) of Huntsville.

She was a loving Nana who always had a Hershey bar for her grandchildren Chad Jones, Clay Jones (Caitlin), Hannah Drake (Jarred), Riley Smith (Emily), Lauren Stiles (Justin), and Daniel Smith.

She was also Nana to 5 great-grandchildren: Reagan, Adley, Piper, Benjamin and Caroline.

Jean got her love of gardening from her mother, and always had beautiful flowers that she shared with everyone. She was a great cook and was famous for her cornbread and her homemade chocolate frosting.

Jean retired from The Birmingham News after many years of service and was a long-time member of Gardendale’s First Baptist Church. She will be missed by all family members, including numerous nieces, nephews and sisters-in-law, her Bunko ladies, and special friends Lee , Stephanie, Debbie and Jr.

A celebration of life visitation for Melba Jean will be held Sunday, September 15, 2019 from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM at Ridout's Gardendale Chapel, 2029 Decatur Highway, Gardendale, AL 35071. A celebration of life service will occur Sunday, September 15, 2019 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, 2029 Decatur Highway, Gardendale, AL 35071. A burial will occur at Oakwood Memorial Gardens, 2100 Moncrief Road, Gardendale, Alabama 35071.