Tessie Oleta Smith, age 78, devoted wife and mother, passed away June 1, 2013 after a long struggle with Alzheimers Disease at her home in Jackson, Georgia. Born on May 28, 1935 in Apple Farm, West Virginia to the late John Frank and Maude Elizabeth Campbell. Tessie was a loving wife to Major Dennis Ray Smith who predeceased her on June 19, 2011, having been married for 54 years at the time of his passing. 

Tessie is survived by her sons Dennis of Whitman, Ma. and Darrell of Jackson, Georgia. She is predeceased by her son David who was killed in an automobile accident in 2007. After graduating Calhoun County High School, Tessie worked for the FBI when she met and married her husband, thereafter assuming the role of an Army wife and mother while her husband was deployed to numerous postings overseas as well as all over the United States. In addition to her sons Tessie is survived by 2 sisters and 1 brother, Ruth Cook of Fort Washington, Maryland, Georgie Vannoy of Reedy, West Virginia and David Campbell of Lewisville, North Carolina, 3 Granddaughters Stephanie Smith of Jackson, Georgia, Samantha and Nicole Smith of Whitman, Massachusetts and 2 grandsons, David and Douglas Smith of Orlando, Florida, a great grandson, Nolan Jones and a great granddaughter Lila Davies both of Jackson, Georgia.                                                             

Funeral Services for Tessie will be held at 2 o'clock Thursday, June 6, 2013 at the Chapel of J.C. Harwell and Son Funeral Home. Interment will be held at the Covington City Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, prior to the service.  Those desiring may make a contribution to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Ave, 7th Floor, New York, N.Y. in honor of Tessie Smith.  J.C. Harwell & Son Funeral Home and Cremation Chapel, 2157 East Street S.E., Covington, GA 30014 is in charge of arrangements. A guest book may be signed on-line at www.harwellfuneralhome.com