Annie Laura Carmichael Smith

Annie Laura Carmichael Smith obituary, Nashville, TN

Annie Laura Carmichael Smith

Annie Smith Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jul. 19, 2024.
Nashville, TN -

Annie Laura Carmichael Smith, affectionately known as Ann, Annie, Granny, Granny Annie or Aunt Annie, passed away peacefully in her home at the age of 90 on July 18, 2024, with her devoted daughter holding her hand.

Born December 2, 1933, she was the youngest child of Frank Wise Carmichael and Fannie Mae Rutledge Carmichael. She is predeceased by her husband, Paul Wayne Smith, and siblings, Pearl Jackson Bonner, Guy Jackson, Jewell Jackson Rogge, Betty Sue Carmichael Walton and Charlie Carmichael.

She was born into poverty in the midst of the great depression, lost her father at age five months to be raised by her mother and 5 older siblings. She grew up well loved, but they struggled daily to get by. To contribute, she picked cotton in the scorching Alabama sun from early childhood until her marriage to William "Bill" R. Sartain in 1950. Annie and Bill had one child, Sharon Kay, born in 1951.

She had a full life following her varied interests. During childhood she sang on local radio with her siblings as the Kings Chapel Five. She continued performing and writing gospel and country songs throughout her life, having several of her songs published and performed by other artists.

Ann was divorced from her first husband and moved to Nashville in the mid 60's. She then met and married Wally Fowler. Together they wrote and performed Gospel music live, on TV and record. Their marriage lasted six years, but Wally's performing schedule proved to be too much. They divorced and she moved to Houston, Texas where she found another life.

In 1982 she married Paul Smith. They moved to Nashville to be close to Sharon and her family, and were happily married until Paul's death in 2001.

Ann was a beautiful woman inside and out; her outgoing personality and striking physical appearance made her everyone's instant and lifelong friend. She was loved by many. She never met a stranger, and treated everyone with equal respect. She was great at gardening, sewing, fishing, painting and treasure shopping. She was always enthusiastic about everything she did. Regardless of the task, she would work on it until exhaustion. She saw much of the world during her life, and actually flew on the same Concorde flight with John Lennon.

Left to cherish her memory are daughter and son-in-law, Sharon Sartain Kipp and David Kipp, Jr. of Nashville, TN, granddaughter, Megan Claire Kipp of Bali, Indonesia, grandson Jon Kipp and wife Christy, great grandchildren Jonathon Kipp (Libya Hall), Jackson Kipp & Joshua Kipp of Fort Walton Beach, FL, and Happy, her dog and best friend. Ann is also survived by numerous beloved nephews & nieces, and "other daughter" Mary Sartain Jackson.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to: Sharon Kipp, her primary care provider in her last years, Alive Hospice, and special caregivers Dana Judd, Tatyana Heughan and neighbor Sheila Williams.

Visitation will be from 11 am - 1 pm on Monday, July 22, 2024 with A Celebration of Life immediately following at Kilgore Green Funeral Home, 1200 Birmingham Ave., Jasper, AL 35501. Her burial will be at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, Oakman, AL.

Please keep Annie's spirit alive by coming dressed in all your bling, because, as she said, "You don't know how you look until you get your picture took".

Congratulations Annie, on a long life well lived. You will be missed.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Annie Smith's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

July 13, 2025

Kimberly Slate posted to the memorial.

July 21, 2024

Phil and Polly posted to the memorial.

July 20, 2024

Kathy Hammer posted to the memorial.

Kimberly Slate

July 13, 2025

You are still loved and missed every single day!

Phil and Polly

July 21, 2024

The first time that we met Ann was about 30 years ago on a playground project here in Donelson, TN. We already knew Sharon and David and I remember saying to Sharon, "Oh My - when your boyfriends came to pick you up and then met your mother, did they switch their attention to her"??? What a sweet and unique lady. She reminded me so much of my grandmother who stayed in the positive even in hard times and told wonderful stories. This must be a temperament that develops by going through hard times and people with this outlook on life seem to be more and more difficult to find. When we had extra fish to share - she was the one neighbor that didn't mind cleaning them. Although we never talked in depth about this, she said things that give me confidence that she had a relationship with Jesus Christ and is now experiencing his glory. Until we see you on the other side - we love you so much Ms Ann. Phil & Polly Mitchell

Kathy Hammer

July 20, 2024

The first time I met Ann Smith I told my Mother that is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen and she was with her friend Audrey that ended up being my Mothers across the street neighbor ... the 4 of us became fast friends and then my oldest son Dustin went to school with her granddaughter Megan and fell head over heels with her and the connection was forever made ... Sharon your Mother was such a timeless beauty she would always compliment me on my flowers and my design styles and when my Mother passed almost 8 years ago she came to her funeral, I was so touched. I know Mother was there to greet her and they will be classing the place up for sure ! She was a amazing woman and so are you for taking such wonderful care of her ... much love Ms Ann and Sharon and family .... until we are all together again... amen

Jason Hatchett

July 20, 2024

I am Jason Hatchett. I first met Ann backstage at the Grand Ole Opry and we became friends when I was just a kid. We always stayed in touch and she taught me so much history of me music business. She was always a sweet classy lady. She will be very much missed. Her family and loved ones are in my prayers.

Dana Judd

July 19, 2024

Dana Judd

July 19, 2024

Dana Judd

July 19, 2024

From the 1st time I met you Ms. Ann I knew we was gonna be best buds. Our love for Alabama Football was when I knew. Also the time you asked me to fix you some coffee in your perculator and I had never used one. You showed me and I love you for teaching me how to use one I know your in Heaven looking and cheering your family on now. It hurts down here but knowing the love you gave to us will always live on. Til we meet again Ms. Ann Dana

Ruth Elkins

July 19, 2024

I first met her at funeral for country singer Keith Whitely. I had seen her and Audrey Winters sitting together. I asked my friend Ardy Sizemore who were those two beautiful women. She said, that Ann Smith and Audrey. Ardy introduced us. The next time I saw Ann we swapped phone numbers. She invited me to join her, Dixie Rich, Quinnie Acuff, and Audrey for lunch. Those lunches were unbelievable we shared stories and laughter. The lunches would start at l lunch time and run into happy hour.
I have so many beautiful memories.
Thank you, Sharon for sharing your Mom with me.

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results

Make a Donation
in Annie Smith's name

How to support Annie's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Annie Smith's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Annie Smith's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

July 13, 2025

Kimberly Slate posted to the memorial.

July 21, 2024

Phil and Polly posted to the memorial.

July 20, 2024

Kathy Hammer posted to the memorial.