May 26, 1943 – Dec. 24, 2019

 

NATCHEZ — Gail Hall Smith, 76, died Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2019, after courageously battling liver complications. She was under the excellent care of St. Mary’s Hospice at her home in Reynolds Lake Oconee.

Visitation will be 11 a.m. Saturday with a Celebration of Life service to follow at 11:30 a.m. at Laird Funeral Home.

A private graveside service will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.

Mrs. Smith was born May 26, 1943, in Natchez, the daughter of William and Juanita Hall.

The popular Natchez High School Rebelette and class of 1961 graduate is survived by her lifelong love, Elmer L. Smith Jr., who were married Jan. 26, 1962. The two left Natchez after marriage and attended Tulane University. After graduation, they embarked on a 40-year career with L.M. Berry and BellSouth Company, residing in multiple cities throughout the U.S.

Gail Smith lived life! The adjective that family, neighbors, friends and business associates most used to described Gail “sweet.” She enjoyed making friends traveling the world on business trips, hosting clients at conferences and special events like the Kentucky Derby. She especially looked forward to recognizing President’s Club sales achievers.

Gail was more than just a special wife and mother. She involved herself in her children’s activities including board member of her daughter’s dance academy, troop leader and class mom. She was a voracious reader, crossword solver, golfer and avid Saints fan. She loved spoiling her grandkids and enjoyed watching their youth, high school and collegiate sporting events.

Gail was preceded in death by parents; one brother, Keith; father-in-law, Elmer Smith; and mother-in-law, Toni Smith.

Gail is the mother of Renee Smith Liberto, married to Ricky Liberto, of Covington, Louisiana, and Elmer L. “Trey” Smith III of Destin, Florida; she has seven grandchildren, Stephanie Fisher, Charlie Mascagni, Jamie Pearce, Sarah Soregaroli, Greg Smith, Matt Smith and Calin Smith; two step-grandchildren, Zack Liberto and Abby Liberto; five great-grandchildren, Katelyn Pearce, Leah Pearce, Parker Pearce, Jase Fisher, Samuel Soregaroli; one step-great-grandchild, Shelby Soregaroli; two brothers, Billy and Johnny Hall; and one sister, Faye Bazemore.

The family respectfully request that donations be made to St. Mary’s Hospice in lieu of flowers: St. Mary’s Hospice, 1660 Jennings Mill Road, Watkinsville, GA 30677.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at lairdfh.com.