Mrs. Florence Smith Dennis

Florence Smith Dennis, age 96, passed peacefully into the loving arms of her Heavenly Father on November 11, 2024 at her home in Grant, Alabama. She lived her entire 96 years of life on Welcome Home Road, from birth to death, and how fitting that she was welcomed home to spend eternity in heaven. She leaves behind an immeasurable legacy of pure love for those who grieve her absence. Florence was born to wonderful parents, William Alonzo Smith and Mollie Franks Smith on June 15, 1928. She came from a family of seven children; one baby died in infancy but she and her other siblings were raised with strong Christian morals, deep family values and an amazing love for each other, as well as those around them. She attended KDS DAR School and was a member of the 1946 graduating class. She always possessed such heartfelt pride about the school and the impact it had on the community. Florence married Milford Dennis on the day of her 18th birthday. They remained happily in love and were married for 52 years until his home going in 1998. They built their home in the Welcome Home Community and raised their family, two daughters, on a farm there. She was a hard worker and an ever present helpmate to her spouse. Happiness was abundant in her life and she was generous to share it with those she loved. Florence was blessed with many skills; she was an excellent seamstress and cook to name a few. She worked in clothing retail for many years and always had a flare for fashion and accessories. Her last and favorite employment was at the Casualette in Guntersville; she dearly loved that job because she got to spend time with wonderful friends that became family to her. This job entailed her doing alternations for people and created a role that she filled long after that business had closed. She was amazing as she reworked and altered everything from men’s suits to formal pageant attire to wedding gowns. She was a great Southern cook; feeding others brought her much satisfaction and happiness. If you were ever privileged to “put your feet under her table”, you knew the meaning of food being a direct pathway to the heart. Florence was a devoted Christian lady; she lived her life with God in the midst of every facet of it. She joined First Baptist Church in 1965 and served as a faithful member. She was a loyal attendee until her stroke in 2022. She filled many roles in her church through the years and loved the congregation deeply. Her favorite hymn was “Victory in Jesus” and now that victory has been won. She was the oldest living member of First Baptist Church at the time of her passing. She was a prayer warrior in the truest sense of the word. Florence served as a volunteer with Shepherd’s Cove Hospice for 21 years until health issues arose. She touched countless lives in her service and compassion to others facing end of life. A special “thank you” is extended to the agency for the exceptional care that she received. Florence possessed many great traits. She was a witty person; laughter often filled her home and heart. She lived a simple life, but one where she gave freely of kindness and hospitality. She was a devoted fan of the Alabama Crimson Tide and loved dressing in her crimson and houndstooth during the fall of the year. “Roll Tide” were two of the last words she spoke. Florence is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Tony Denton, son-in-law, Justice Ashley, sister, Kate Spurgeon, granddaughter, Heather Grey (Brandon), great grandchildren, Jessica Williams (Kalvin Barnard), John Michael Williams, Kinley Grey, great great grandchildren, Jasper Brooks Barnard and Tate Michael Barnard, as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Kathy Ashley, her brothers, O.A. Smith, Leon Smith and Henry Smith, and her sisters, Idessa Troup and Cumi Nuby. May she rest in peace, knowing she was deeply cherished by all who had the privilege of her acquaintance. In lieu of flowers, her family has requested memorial donations be made to Shepherd’s Cove Hospice, Volunteer Department, at 408 Martling Road, Albertville, AL. Her pallbearers are Rodney Barnes, Leon Castle, Skeeter Davis, Perry Stapler, Gary Troup and Tim Weaver. Honorary pallbearers are Joe Bearden, Sam Kirkland, Jimmy Bradshaw and John Michael Williams.

Mrs. Florence Smith Dennis

June 15, 1928 - November 11, 2024