Norma Creecy Smith, age 85, of Jackson, Tennessee, passed away on April 17, 2026 at her residence surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on December 21, 1940, in Keiser, AR the daughter of the late Hershel and Mary Porter Creecy, and lived a life marked by devotion, kindness, and steady care for the people around her. She will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose gentle spirit touched many lives over the years.

Norma spent her career in childcare, a calling that reflected the warmth and patience that came naturally to her. She cared for children from her home and also served at Lambuth Memorial Daycare, Forest Heights Daycare, and West Jackson Baptist Daycare. In every place she worked, she was known for her compassion, her dependable nature, and the calm presence she brought to the lives of children and families. She understood the importance of nurturing young hearts, and she gave that gift faithfully throughout her life.

Those who knew Norma best will remember her as a woman of faith, grace, and quiet strength. She faced life with determination and a caring heart, always placing family and others before herself. Her home was a place of comfort and welcome, and her love was shown in both the simple daily acts of care and the lasting example she set for those who followed her. She had a special way of making others feel valued, and her memory will remain a source of comfort to all who loved her. She also enjoyed cooking for her family, gardening and fishing in her spare time

Norma is survived by her children, Steve Smith and wife Erin, Denise Smith and partner Rhonda Waldo, and Sherry Clifton and husband Phillip. She is also survived by her brother, Rick Creecy and wife Brenda and a daughter-in-law, Kim Smith Her legacy continues through her ten grandchildren, Lindsay Manley and Jeff, Chelsea, Morgan Gower and William, Cody Smith and Brynn, Griffin Smith and partner Wade Gentry, Clayton Smith and Amanda, Amber Azbill and Lance, Joshua Clifton, Olivia Clifton Greenwood and Zach, and Drake Waldo-Smith as well as twenty-two great grandchildren. Each of them carries forward a part of her love, her strength, and her enduring influence.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of fifty-seven years, Royce Smith, her son, Mark Smith, grandson, Willie Smith and two siblings, Doug Creecy and Helen Parish.

SERVICES: A time for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Arrington Funeral Directors with a funeral service to follow at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Gary Snuffin officiating. Burial will follow in Ridgecrest Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons and great grandsons, Cody Smith, Clayton Smith, Hayden Smith, Hunter Smith, Jaxson Azbill Jace Azbill, Jagger Azbill and Jance Azbill.

Her family was the center of her world, and she took great joy in watching it grow through the years. She treasured the moments shared with her children and grandchildren, and she found happiness in their accomplishments, their laughter, and their presence in her life. The bonds she formed with them were deep and lasting, built on love, encouragement, and devotion. Her family will forever hold close the memories of her kindness, her steady guidance, and the many ways she enriched their lives.