Jerrel "Jerry" Hunter Smith

Jerrel June Hunter Smith, age 92, of Henderson, peacefully entered her heavenly home on January 28, 2026.

Born on May 6, 1933, Jerry was the only daughter of Leo and Carrie Hunter of Mantee, Mississippi. She grew up alongside her five brothers: Guthrie Hunter (Libby), Wayne Hunter (Margie), Kilmer Hunter (Deanie), Billy Hunter (Jessie Faye), and Gene Hunter (Jean), all of whom preceded her in death.

A graduate of Cumberland High School in Cumberland, Mississippi, she married Rev. Stanley James Smith on October 22, 1950. Jerry faithfully served God as a pastor’s wife at age seventeen.

Stanley and Jerry moved to New Orleans, Louisiana, to attend Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, where Stanley and Jerry attended classes. While residing in New Orleans, Jerry and Stanley raised their first born, a daughter, Wanda Butler (Herbert).

After moving to Jackson, Mississippi, their son, Hunter Smith (Brian Tellinghuisen), was born. A second son, Paul Smith and a second daughter, Kim Teague (Jeff), were born in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Jerry’s legacy continues through her six grandchildren, Blake Butler (Heidi ), Natalie Busby (John), Lola Smith, Lindsey Teague Owens (David), Ripley Scott and Tyler Teague (Trenity).

Jerry has seven great-grandchildren, Landon Butler (Hannah), Toby Stroud, Laila Stroud, Tessa Butler, Georgia Busby, Daisy Busby, and Delta Busby. Jerry has one great-great-grandchild, Dalton Butler.

After moving to Henderson, Tennessee, in 1970, Jerry attended First Baptist Church with her family. She became the loyal secretary to First Baptist Church in 1971 at age thirty-seven, and remained working there until she retired at age eighty-four, a total of forty-seven years.

Jerry was a pastor’s wife at Falcon Baptist Church in Selmer, Tennessee, serving side-by-side with Stanley for many years, while continuing to serve as First Baptist Henderson’s secretary.

Jerry was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great grandmother. She was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church and Falcon Baptist Church, where she served in numerous roles, of which her favorite was singing alto in the choir.

Jerry’s life was devoted to God’s ministry and her family. She was always enthusiastic, positive, and encouraging, and was an excellent listener, as well as a fine example of a righteous christian woman.

Jerry was definitely a “ hands-on” grandmother, whether it be getting dirty, making mud pies, sledding, painting… she was active and energetic. Her laughter and contagious smile shed so much light to all who were blessed to be in her presence.

A “Celebration of Life” service will be held for Jerry on Saturday, March 7, 2026. Visitation: 10:00-11:30 a.m. Service: 11:30 a.m.

Memorials can be directed to First Baptist Church of Henderson’s Music Ministry, 504 E. Main St., Henderson, TN 38340