Reba McAllister Smith

Reba was raised on a tobacco farm, a part of her upbringing she fondly remembered throughout her life. She graduated from Tift County High School in 1963, where she played snare drum in the marching band. A talented pianist and organist, Reba shared her gift with numerous church congregations across the South and taught many others to play as well. Her lifelong passion for music began at Liberty Baptist Church in Tifton.

After high school, she earned a bookkeeping certification in Atlanta, a profession she pursued until her retirement in 2009. Over the years, she worked for several notable companies, including Cooksey Steel Co. in Tifton, Wright and Lopez Construction in Marathon, Florida, and Bama Trucking in Clanton, Alabama.

In time, Reba married and became the devoted mother of two sons, whom she raised with unwavering love and dedication. In 1998, she remarried and found the true love of her life, Curtis Smith — affectionately known as “Papa Curt.” She cherished every moment they shared, and in her final moments, she lovingly spoke of Curt.

She is survived by her sons, Timothy H. Robinson (Amy) and J. Eric Robinson (Amanda); step-daughter, Teresa Vlach; grandchildren, Connor, Doster, Oliva, Taylor, Ella, Carlee, Tiffany, Brittany, Amelia, Rachael, and Richard, and great-grands, Ronnie Jo and Griffin.

Reba was preceded in death by her husband, Curtis G. Smith; her step-son, Richard G. Smith; her mother, Ida Mae Willis McAllister; her father, Henry Doster McAllister; and brother, Bernice A. McAllister.

She loved her family dearly, joyfully celebrating their milestones and accomplishments throughout her life. Reba will be deeply missed, but her enduring faith, love of travel, spirit of adventure, passion for music, and strong family values will continue to live on in those who cherish her memory.

Per her wishes, Reba will be cremated, and her remains will be laid to rest on May 19, 2025 at Oak Ridge Cemetery. Classmates from Tift County are warmly invited to join the family for a private memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation at https://www.komen.org/.