Shirley Overton Smith

Shirley Ruth Overton Smith, age 81, of Lenoir City, Tennessee, passed away March 3, 2026 at the Life Care Center of Blount County. Shirley grew up in Kingston and Midtown and was a 1963 graduate of Roane County High School. She was a faithful member of the West End Church of Christ.

Shirley was also a devoted member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and was among the founding members of the Avery Trace DAR Chapter. Throughout the years she served in many roles, and she considered it a great honor to serve as Tennessee State DAR Chaplain.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Fannie Overton and sisters, Ann Ridge and Marie Padgett.

Shirley is survived by her loving husband, Boyd Smith; daughter, Jo Terri Wright and husband Jason, of Decatur, Alabama; grandson, Tyler Wright and wife, Morgan of Birmingham, Alabama, along with many nieces. She is also survived by special friends, Marcia Pickel and Sue Rhodes.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of the Life Care Center of Blount County and to Amedisys Hospice for the love, compassion, and exceptional care shown to Shirley and her family. Thank you to everyone who called, sent cards, provided food and visited Shirley.

The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, March 20th at West End Church of Christ, 8301 East Walker Springs Lane, Knoxville. A Memorial Service will follow at 7 p.m. with Mr. Jeremy Weekley officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Cole Center for Parkinson's and Movement Disorders via the UT Medical Office of Philanthropy. Check may be mailed to: UT Medical Office of Philanthropy 2121 Medical Center Way, Suite 110, Knoxville, TN 37920. Click Funeral Home, 109 Walnut Street, Lenoir City is serving the Smith family.