Zula Rebecca Smith

Zula Rebecca Smith, passed into heaven at the age of 86.

Born November 27, 1938, and passed November 12, 2025, at her home in Sopchoppy.

She was preceded in death by her parents Lloyd and Mae Crum, her siblings Thomas Crum, Henry Crum, Bobby Crum, Viola Harvey, Betty McKenzie, Zylphia Roberts, and her devoted husband of 65 years Coney Smith.

She is survived by her children Carol (Jimmy) Stokley, Gail (Robert) Jetton, and Bill (Amy) Smith; grandchildren Nikki (Larry) Litton, Casey (Nathan) Taylor, Cami (Nick) Bernales, Amy (Dennis) Pitts, Zeb (Tammy) Henderson, and Bethany (Adam) Lassiter; 12 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

Zula enjoyed time with her family, cooking, caring for others, and sharing stories around a crowded table. She was known for taking care of family, friends, and many children in Sopchoppy. Her organizational skills were unmatched. She was the only person who could wrangle 12+ rambunctious kids daily through lunches and naps.

To her, cooking was an act of love. Every meal she prepared carried a piece of her heart, and every seat she filled was a reminder of how much she cherished family. Her kitchen was a place where everyone belonged, where laughter echoed, and where no one ever left hungry-either in body or in spirit.

She taught us the value of caring for one another, showing love through kindness, and serving others with humility and joy. While she served others, she was demonstrating the hands and feet of Jesus with every meal she cooked and delivered to someone who was sick or needed a friend. If you ate at her table, received a meal or dessert, know she prayed for you.

Every night she would pray for family, friends, and needs in the community.

Her legacy of service, love and faith lives on in the traditions she passed down, the recipes she shared, the lives she touched and the memories she helped create.

Zula was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.

The graveside service will be held November 19, 2025, at 11:00 am at West Sopchoppy Cemetery.

The family will receive friends following the service at Mt. Beasor Baptist Church in Sopchoppy.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Big Bend Hospice in honor of Zula Smith. Todd Wahlquist is assisting the family with their arrangements (850-385-2193, www.bevisfh.com)