Irma Ruth Smith

Irma Ruth Smith

Florence, MS

Irma Ruth Matthews Smith passed away peacefully in her home away from home, Villa South, on Monday, February 10, 2025. She was born to Olif Thompson Matthews, Sr. and Willie Elizabeth Walters Matthews on August 25, 1928 in Plain (Richland) MS. After moving to Florence as a child, she lived there for the rest of her life. She was the oldest child of ten and very much enjoyed spending time with all her family. She dedicated her life to her family, her church and loving on others like Jesus commands. She will be greatly missed by not only her family but all who knew her.

Irma Ruth and her husband, Kirby Calvin Smith, Sr. had five children: Kirby Calvin Smith, Jr. (Linda), David Eugene Smith (Melanie), Laura Diane Smith Slocum (Charles), Rachel Elizabeth Smith-Smith (Lawson), and Mark Thompson Smith (Deborah). She leaves behind Kirby and Diane as well as her grandchildren: Eric Eugene Smith (Chrisy), Courtney Leigh Smith Ritz (Scott), Erin Elana Smith Sutherland (Brent), Christopher William Slocum, Joshua Melrose Smith (Calen), Brandtly Micah Smith, and Kathryn Ann Elizabeth Thompson along with six great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by brothers, Olif Thompson Matthews, Jr. (Betty) and Pat Matthews (Peggy), and sisters, Betty Glass, Nancy Green, and Sandra Buffington; a sister-in-law, Kathleen Matthews as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins, all of whom she loved and treated like her own.

Irma Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Calvin Smith, her sons David Smith and Mark Smith, her daughter, Rachel Smith, her son -in-law, Lawson Smith, daughter-in-law, Melanie Smith, two grand-daughters, Amanda Ruth Slocum and Baby Smith, her parents, brothers Alton Matthews, Joe Paul Matthews and Will Matthews; a sister, Gail Dear, brothers-in-law, Dale Glass, Ed Green, Lamar Smith, Burney Smith and Lee Roberts and sisters-in-laws, Mildred Phillips Matthews Amason, Pearl Smith and Emma Virginia Roberts; and nieces. Jean Marie Smith Ball and Ginger Matthews Barnes. She is also preceded in death by three nephews, Brad Matthews, Doug Ming, and Gene Thomas.

Irma Ruth graduated from Star High School and then went to work at Bell Telephone. After raising her children, she then worked for many years for the Florence Elementary School loving on many children until her retirement.

Visitation will be held at First Baptist Church, Florence, MS from 10 am until service time at 1 pm in the Sanctuary of FBC, Florence, MS on Friday, February 14, 2025. Burial will follow in the Florence Cemetery.

As we gather to honor and celebrate Irma Ruth’s life, we remember a remarkable woman whose love and spirit will continue to inspire us. She leaves us not just with memories but with lessons of love, commitment and the true meaning of family.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Memphis, TN or Mission Ministries of First Baptist Church, P. O. Box 97, Florence, MS.