Obituaries 06-04-26

REBECCA "BECKY" ANN SMITH

Oct. 27, 1965-May 16, 2026

Rebecca "Becky" Ann Smith, 60, died on Saturday, May 16, 2026, 
surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on Oct. 27, 1965 to James Winfield McFarland, Jr., and Clara Ann 
Buckles Holland, she was a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished Nana 
and loyal friend. She was the kind of person who always put others 
before herself, giving endlessly of her time, kindness and heart for 
everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Becky was a devoted wife to her husband of 40 years, Sam Smith. Her 
children were one of her proudest accomplishments, and her greatest joy 
was being "Nana" to her grandchildren. She spent treasured moments with 
them and showered them with her unconditional love.

Becky dedicated 22 years of her life working at Bank of Franklin, where 
she was known for her strong work ethic, reliability and passion. She 
not only put in countless hours but provided quality work and initiative 
to her role. She went above and beyond and formed lasting relationships 
with her coworkers, always treating them with kindness and respect.

Outside of work, she found peace and happiness in growing plants. Her 
home was filled with thriving plants, warmth and a comforting feeling of 
being welcomed and loved. She had a special gift for nurturing life — 
whether it was through her plants or the people she held close to her 
heart.

Her legacy will live on through her husband, children, grandchildren, 
great-grandchildren and extended family and friends. Though she will be 
profoundly missed, Becky's love, strength and compassion will continue 
to bloom in the hearts of all who knew her.

She is survived by her husband, Sam Smith; her son and daughter-in-law, 
Dwayne and Heather Godwin; her daughter and son-in-law, Misti and Shane 
Merrill; her stepdaughter, Mindy Smith (Kelly); eight grandchildren, 
Matt, Sean, Pierre, Eric, Tristan, William, Lily and Jacob; two 
great-grandchildren and a host of extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Clara Ann Buckles Holland; her 
father, Winfield McFarland, Jr.; two brothers, James Andrew McFarland 
and David Anthony McFarland; her maternal grandparents, Otis and Lucy 
Buckles; and her paternal grandparents, James Winfield, Sr., and Mary 
Jane McFarland.