Mai Smith

COOKEVILLE CHAPEL - Mai Billingsley Smith, fondly referred to as "Miss Mai" was known for her nurturing spirit and classy demeanor. She was born on February 10, 1938, in Jackson County, Tennessee and passed away suddenly at her home in Cookeville on Saturday, April 5, 2025. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, hospitality, and cherished memories that will endure in the hearts of those who knew her.

Mai graduated from Jackson County High School before embarking on a career that included positions at Sears, Citizens Bank, Baxter Manufacturing, Omara and Johnson Attorneys, and the Putnam County Clerk's office. Her dedication to her work was matched only by her devotion to her family. Every time you watched her, she was giving to those around her.

In life, Mai was an active lifetime member of the Church of Christ, a connection that underscored her values and shaped her relationships throughout her life. She showed her faith by selfless mission work that took her from Mexico to the Ukraine.

She relished in family gatherings, often sharing laughter and joy through her favorite pastimes of cooking and playing cards; especially with her "Thursday Card Ladies".

She is survived by her loving spouse, Herb Smith, and their two sons, Larry Smith (Donna) and David Ray Smith (Sue Ann), all of Cookeville. Mai is also survived by her brother, Don Billingsley (Sylvia) of Oneida, TN, and her sisters, Ruth Hale of Hendersonville, TN, and Patricia Spivey of Madison, TN. She took immense pride in her grandchildren, Addison Smith (Maegan) of Cookeville, Clayton Smith (Sascha) of Knoxville, and Blake Smith of Virginia, as well as her great-granddaughters, Harper Smith and Blakely Smith. Additionally, she leaves behind sisters-in-law Betty Law of Cookeville and Janie Billingsley of Goodlettsville, brother-in-law Billy Johnson of Clarksville, as well as aunt Juanita Gross of Michigan.

Mai was preceded in death by her parents, Leo Boles Billingsley and Maggie Ethel Coomer Billingsley, and her siblings, Reba Nell Johnson and David Graves Billingsley. Their memories remain intertwined with hers, as she was deeply loved and respected by her family.

A funeral service honoring Mai will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at the Cookeville Chapel of Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home. Bro. Mark Loftis of Netherland Church of Christ will officiate. Visitation for friends and family will be from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Mai will be laid to rest at Smith Chapel Cemetery, with words of comfort from Paul Roberts.

Mai will be remembered for her hospitality and making a home a "home" whether around the pool, the lake, or her kitchen. She will be missed by all those who were fortunate enough to call her Mai, Mom, Aunt Mai or Granny Mai.

The family encourages donations to Churches of Christ Disaster Relief or Smith Chapel Cemetery.

The Cookeville Chapel of Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111 Share condolences and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com.