Russell Smith

Elizabeth Russell Martin Smith, 79, of Valdosta, died January 6, 2025, at Langdale Hospice House. She was born October 10, 1945, in Valdosta to the late J.W. and Shirley Hoye Martin. She attended Valdosta City Schools and graduated from the University of Georgia where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority. She taught English for many years at Lowndes High School. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.

Russell is survived by her husband of twenty-two years, James L. Smith. She is also survived by her children: Matthew and Esther-Marie Lawrence and Cate and Greg Hunter, all of Lowndes County, and Jim’s children, Drew and Elizabeth Smith and Evan and Tate Simmons, all of Raleigh, N.C. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Zan Martin, and niece, Beth Reed and husband, Michael. Russell’s brother, Dr. J. William Martin, III, and her nephew, Will Martin preceded her in death.

Russell’s beloved grandchildren are Susanna and John-William Lawrence, Russell and Richard Hunter, Rives and Julia Smith, and Henry Simmons.

Russell was a member of Park Avenue Methodist Church where she enjoyed serving on the altar flower committee. She was a lifetime member of the Valdosta Junior Service League and a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Russell enjoyed travelling, painting, photography, playing bridge, and reading. Her great joy was gardening and she especially enjoyed sharing plants with friends.

Visitation will be on Friday, January 10, 2025, from 9:30-11:00 AM at Carson McLane Funeral Home. A memorial service will immediately follow in the chapel of the Carson McLane Funeral Home. A private internment will be held later. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Park Avenue Church of Valdosta, Inc. or to Langdale Hospice House. 

Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com. 

Carson McLane Funeral Home.