Samantha Dryden Smith

Ms. Samantha Lea Dryden Smith, age 46, of Tallapoosa, GA, passed away February 5, 2023. She was born June 20, 1976 in Carrollton, GA to her parents, Larry Ken "Jack" Dryden and Sandra Shealy Dryden. She is preceded in death by her father, Jack.
Samantha graduated from Haralson County High School in 1994. She excelled in academics and basketball. She lettered four years for the Lady Rebelettes and was one of the best 3-point shooters of all time at HCHS.
Samantha began her postsecondary education at the University of Georgia where she became a huge Georgia Bulldog fan. She earned her Bachelor of Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing from the University of West Georgia.
Samantha spent nearly 20 years as a critical care bedside nurse. Most of her career was spent with Tanner Medical, where she made countless friends and earned the respect of so many of her peers. She shared her expertise with her students at the University of West Georgia, University of North Georgia, West Georgia Technical College and later as an Adjunct Clinical Instructor.
Samantha had a great love for animals. She had many pets over the years and was known for her propensity to take in strays no matter their condition. However, her greatest love of all and best accomplishment was her daughter, Ella Sloane.
She is survived by her daughter, Ella Sloane Smith, of Cumming, GA; mother, Sandra Dryden, of Tallapoosa; brother and sister-in-law, Shane and Genevie Dryden, of Temple, GA; nieces Bailey Dryden, of Symrna, GA and MacKenzie Dryden, of Holly Springs, GA; and a host of aunts, uncles and cousins.
The family will host friends for food and fellowship to celebrate Samantha's life Saturday, February 11, 2023, from 12:00 to 4:00 in the Whisonant Hospitality House at Miller Funeral Home. The hospitality house is located behind the funeral home at 44 Taliaferro St., Tallapoosa, GA 30176.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Ella Sloane's college fund. Donations may be made through the Ugift link below with code M7C-M5M.