Rita Carol Smith was born on May 2, 1961. That day, the world became a better place. She loved fiercely and unapologetically. She was tangible joy, pure happiness in human form. Her laugh was contagious, and her capacity to love was infinite.

Dad and Mama met in seventh grade. He was the new kid in class, and she was the shy girl standing at the pencil sharpener. Dad says God told him the minute he saw her that he was going to marry her one day, and Dad, doing the most Dad thing possible, decided that he would tell her right then and there-in front of the entire class on the very first day of school, in the first moments that he met her. They married the first day of spring after senior year, on March 21, 1980. Our parents' love is one for the ages. A love that people only dream about. The kind you see in fairy tales. The kind that transcends both time and circumstance. The kind of love that teaches others how to love.

Our childhood was a dream. She had a way of making the world magical, making even the ordinary seem like a great adventure. We rode our bikes in the house. We used her best silverware to make the most extraordinary mud pies, drying them on the air conditioner outside. When the leaves turned each fall, we collected the most beautiful colors we could find for her collection. We decorated pine cones with glitter and ribbon and hung them from our Christmas trees. Every morning for the seven days leading up to our birthdays, we woke up to the birthday box filled with surprises she curated especially for us-something she heard us say we wanted months ago in conversation-our favorite gum, a new chapstick, a note about how much she loves us... Not just things, but thoughtful gifts she poured her heart into.

She earned her degree in education from the University of Mississippi. Teaching was her passion. She was not only ours. She belonged to every tiny hand she held and every eager mind she helped shape throughout her years.

Each moment was beautiful. And now those are cherished memories tucked into the pockets of our hearts.

Mama was called into the arms of Jesus on September 6, 2026. Her legacy is carried forward by her husband, Phil Smith; her daughters, Bree Smith and Karla Burnett (Patrick); and her beloved grandchildren, Weston, Evie, and Bo Burnett. Her memory will be cherished by countless family and friends.

To our mom, we feel you in the sunshine. We feel you when the wind blows through the trees and the leaves swirl all around us. We feel you here, sitting outside in the calm of the morning, listening to the birds serenade each new day. And although our hearts are broken, we know that you are still with us, woven into every fiber of our being. We will carry you into each new adventure, into each new moment. In each new memory we make, you will be there.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 10, 2026 at The Holly Springs Funeral Home from 5:00 until 8:00. Service will be held in the Chapel on Friday, September 11, 2026 at 11:00. Burial will follow at Red Banks Cemetery where a graveside service will be held.