Maggie Octavia Smith

Maggie Octavia Dodson Smith, know to most of us as Mrs. Smith or perhaps even Big Momma, passed away on Monday evening, February 5, 2024. Maggie was born in Cullman County, Alabama, on November 24, 1938, to John Homer and Lola Belle Stisher Dodson.

Maggie was a lifelong resident of Holly Pond, Alabama, with the exception of the two years she spent in Germany alongside her husband, Bud, as he served in the military. She was a graduating member of the Holly Pond Class of 1957. Maggie obtained her master’s degree and began a career of more than thirty years teaching high school English, Typing, and Business at Vinemont High School, and later at Holly Pond High School. Mrs. Smith was a no-nonsense teacher who expected the best from her students. Her high standards made her students work hard in her classroom. Mrs. Smith’s spunk and quick wit also made her a favorite among her students and the impact Maggie had on her students will be remembered for many years to come.

Mrs. Smith was a longtime member of Holly Pond First Baptist Church where she enjoyed the fellowship of her friends in the Rebecca-Fidelis class. She enjoyed a short and to the point message and reminded Brother Benjamin of her preference often. Maggie was also active in her community, and she was a member of the Holly Pond Homemakers Club as well as a member of the Red Hat Society. Mrs. Smith was knowledgeable about the history of her town, and the preservation and upkeep of Holly Pond Cemetery was very important to her as a way of continuing and maintaining the town’s history.

Mrs. Smith was a child of God and her strong faith in her Savior and Lord was evident in the life she lived. Second only to her faith, family was the most important aspect of Mrs. Smith’s life. Maggie and Bud had been married for fifty-six years when Bud passed away in 2020, and their life together had been one of great love and devotion. She was a loving and proud mother to their children, Heidi and Mitch, and Maggie adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Big Momma and her babies played Rook for hours on end, and their Star Wars and pizza weekends are memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.

Maggie is preceded in death by her parents; beloved husband, Talmadge “Bud” Alton Smith; brothers, Winfred Dodson, and Ralph Dodson; sisters, Montez Pylant, Audrey Harris, and Jo McCowan.

Those surviving Maggie includes her children, Mitch Smith (Sheila), Heidi Walker (Ricky); grandchildren, Kristen Walker (Trent), Hunter Walker (Jordan), Payden Smith (Caitlyn), Parker Smith (Abbie), Isaac Smith; great-grandchildren, Brooks Walker, John Beckett Walker, Elayne Smith, and two additional great-grandchildren to be born later this year; a host of nieces and nephews, extended family, and friends.  

Friends are invited to join the family for a time of visitation at Holly Pond First Baptist Church on Friday, February 9, 2024, from 1:30 p.m. until services begin. Funeral services will begin at 3:30 p.m., on Friday, with Brother Benjamin Smothers officiating. Mrs. Smith will be laid to rest in Holly Pond Cemetery where her family will serve as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Mrs. Smith’s memory to Holly Pond Cemetery.

Holly Pond Funeral Home is honored to serve the Smith family.