Norma Nell Walker Smith

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. -Matthew 11:28

     Norma Nell Walker Smith, 87, of Valley, Ala. passed away at Lanier Memorial Nursing Home after a long battle with Covid 19 on Thursday, February 25, 2021.

     Nell was born prematurely on March 22, 1933 in Hightower, Ala. to Avery Lawrence Walker and Eppie Lillian Wheeler Walker. The doctor wrapped the two pound infant in a blanket and placed her in a shoe box for an incubator with no hope. Nell's determination kept her alive almost 88 years!

     Her mother died from diabetes and pneumonia in 1945 when Nell was 12. After her mother’s death two special aunts, Lois Walker Pullen and Myrtis Walker Lester help raise the Walker children. Nell's father preceded her in death in 1970.

     At an early age Nell moved to Woodland, Ala. with her family and attended the New Hope School. She graduated from Woodland High School. It was there she excelled in Home Economics learning to be an excellent cook, seamstress and future mother.

     Nell was longtime member of Fairview Baptist Church, Valley, Ala. She loved working in the church’s nursery and was a member of the Mary Ellen Yancey Circle. She was a woman of great faith.

     Mrs. Smith was blessed with four children. Her daughter, Regina Smith McKay proceeded her in death in 2016. Surviving her are three sons, Toney (Wanda) Smith of Cusseta, Ala., Randall Smith of Montgomery, Ala., and Gary (Missy) Smith of Lanett, Ala. She was very proud of her eight grandchildren, four great grandchildren and the many foster children she kept. Grandson Michael D. Yarbrough proceeded her in death.

     Also preceding Mrs. Smith in death were her siblings Avery Jean Pritchett, Nima Doris Thacker, Freddie Sue Brooks, Billy Ray Walker, Sr., Jerry Wheeler Walker and infant sisters Christine and June. She is survived by one brother, George Wilson Walker of Carrollton, Ga. and many nieces and nephews.

     A graveside service will be held at Johnson Memorial Gardens in Valley, Ala. on Sunday, February 28, 2021 at 2:00 P.M. EST with Reverend Carl Benedict officiating.

     Due to the social gathering restrictions, appropriate social distancing practices and facial coverings or masks will be required for the service.

     The family suggests donations be given to Fairview Baptist Church Building Fund, 600 River Road, Valley Ala. 36854; Chattahoochee Hospice, 6 Medical Park, Valley, Ala. 36854, or a charity of your choice.

     Please visit Mrs. Smith’s Memorial Tribute page at www.johnsonbrownservicefh.com to leave a condolence for her family, to share a memory of Mrs. Smith, or to light a Remembrance Candle in her memory.

     Johnson Brown Service Funeral Home of Valley is directing.

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