Mrs. Sylvia D. Smith

Mrs. Sylvia Diane Smith of 46 Hill Street, Rochelle, Georgia, died Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at the Crisp Regional Hospital in Cordele, Georgia.

The funeral service will be held on Monday, February 23, 2026, at 11:00 AM in the sanctuary of New Travelers Home Baptist Church in Abbeville, Georgia.  The burial will follow in the churchyard cemetery.

Sylvia Diane Deans Smith, born on September 4, 1963, in   Rochelle, Georgia, was a beloved daughter, wife, mother, and friend. She was the cherished daughter of Willie D. Deans and Juanita L. Deans.  

Sylvia accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior and united with the New Travelers Home Baptist Church in Abbeville, Georgia, where she was a devoted member. Her faith was a guiding light throughout her life, providing strength and comfort to her and those around her.

Sylvia made her transition on February 18, 2026, at the Crisp Regional Hospital in Cordele, Georgia. Her passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew her, but her legacy of love will forever remain.

Sylvia was preceded in death by her beloved parents; her grandson, Je'Carious Ke'Untae Deans; and her sister, Connie Dixon.

Sylvia’s warmth, generosity, and unwavering spirit touched the lives of many. Her memory will be a source of inspiration and comfort to all who knew her. She will be deeply missed but fondly remembered for her love and devotion to her    family and community.

She leaves cherished memories to  her husband, Charles E. Smith of Rochelle, Georgia; her children: Bradford Denorris Deans, Sr. of Rochelle, Georgia and Shamanda Laneice Deans of Eastman, Georgia; her bonus son: Ryan J. Lewis, Sr. (Katiqua) of Fitzgerald, Georgia; her godson: Brandon Lawson of Cordele, Georgia; her grandchildren: Brayuna Shyliyah Mariah Deans, Bradford Denorris Deans, Jr., Brad Kase Deans, Khallenger Kaoir Marie Deans, Romeo J'Morrean Clay, D'Marrion Armon Barber, and Bobbi-Patricia Mone't Cummings; her sisters: Shirley Favors of Quincy,  Florida, Melinda Griffin (William) of Eastman, Georgia, Jane Deans of Rochelle, Georgia, Latasha Deans of Warner Robins, Georgia, and Robin Deans of Rochelle, Georgia; her brothers:  Dwaine Deans and Stacey Deans of Rochelle, Georgia; her aunts and uncles: Queen Woodham (John) and Linda Lawson of Abbeville, Georgia; Francis Dixon, Lizzie Johnson, and Jeanette Miller all of Rochelle, Georgia; and Kenneth Lawson of Abbeville, Georgia; her sister-in-law:  Rosa Ann Curry; her brothers-in-law:  Issac Smith, Jr. and Robert Dixon; her    special nephew:  Kemorion Larkin, US Army; a special sister: Linda Holmes of Rochelle, Georgia; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and many sorrowing friends.