Carrie Jean "Tut" Bryars Smith

Carrie Jean "Tut" Bryars Smith, age 84, died on August 14, 2015, surrounded by family in her home of 47 years. Tut was born at Providence Hospital in Mobile on September 27, 1930, grew up in Stockton, AL, and was a resident of Mobile since 1953. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry Milburn Smith, Jr., her parents, Charles Henry Bryars, Sr. and Carrie Munnerlyn Bryars, and her brother, Charles Henry Bryars, Jr. Survivors are her children: Randy Smith, Sandra Hudson, both of Mobile, and Kelley Evers (Jay) of Birmingham; grandchildren: Ashley Hudson, Grady Evers, Wen Evers, and step-grandson: Richard Harski, Jr. (Nicole), two step-great grandchildren plus several cousins, nieces and nephews. Tut graduated from Baldwin County High School in Bay Minette in 1948. She attended Huntington College for two years and graduated from Auburn University, then Alabama Polytechnic Institute, where she was a member of Chi Omega sorority and met her husband, Harry. Throughout her life, she was a contributing member of the community, giving her time to several causes including Wimbledon Garden Club, for which she was a charter member and past president, and Chi Omega alumnae and an advisor with the University of South Alabama chapter which she helped start in 1969. Her family served as a "Host Family" for the America's Junior Miss Program, now called Distinguished Young Women, for twelve years. Tut was a former member of Historic Mobile Preservation Society, Symphony Concerts, Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Mobile, Daughters of the American Revolution, and American Association of University Women. She served on Child Day Care Board, Visiting Nurse Association Board, and Florence Crittenton Junior Board. She loved playing bridge, gourmet cooking, hunting, spending time with family and friends, and cheering for Auburn football. With her love of dancing, Tut is well-known in the ballroom dance clubs in Mobile, Baldwin County, and Pensacola. As a woman of faith, she was a longtime member of Spring Hill Presbyterian Church and served there in a wide variety of volunteer capacities over the years, including deacon, elder, reception committee, and choir member for many years. She loved her church family. She was always doing something for others, especially taking food to the sick or to families after a death. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend, always putting others first. She will be remembered for her humility, generosity, integrity, and kindness to all. The family wishes to thank her devoted caregivers: Mary Barlow, Sheila Hubbert, Cindy Kearley, Sheila Orso, and Tonya Stinson for their loving and compassionate care. Both Cindy and Tonya were with family by her side until the end. Heartfelt appreciation to John Howard and his wife, Betty, for their faithful friendship and assistance, especially during the last 10 months. A memorial service will be held at Springhill Presbyterian Church in Mobile at 11 o'clock on Monday, August 17, 2015 with a reception to follow in the fellowship hall where family will receive visitors. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to Spring Hill Presbyterian Church, 10 Westminster Way, Mobile, AL 36608, or Stockton United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 7, Stockton, AL 36579.