Gwen Smith, 55, of Fitzgerald, Georgia, died Wednesday, February 19, 2014, at her residence.
Memorial services will be held 2 PM, Saturday, February 22, 2014, at The Paulk Funeral Home Chapel in Fitzgerald, with her sister-in-law: Alice Prescott speaking.
Mrs. Smith was born March 18, 1958 in Ben Hill County, Georgia, to the late Jesse Reason and Mary Vivian Faulkner Young. She lived in the community all of her life and was a hairdresser and a homemaker. Mrs. Smith received her cosmetology training through the former Ben-Hill Irwin Technical School. She enjoyed raising dogs; her favorites were labs, poodles and German shepherds. She also enjoyed gardening and growing flowers. Mrs. Smith attended Prospect Baptist Church.
She is survived by her husband: Ralph Smith of Fitzgerald; daughters: Ashley & Dale Ford of Moultrie, Tia & Andy Pridgen of Irwin County and Michelle Kirkland of Fitzgerald; grandchildren: Tinsley Adair, Parker Kirkland, Rainey Kirkland, Kaylin Pridgen and Wyatt Pridgen and a sister: Vicki & Tony Grissom of Fitzgerald. Many nieces and nephews also survive. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters: Ann Matthews and Judy Schwindle.
The family suggests those desiring to send memorials, in lieu of flowers, may do so to: Hospice Care Options, 121 North Cherry Street, Ocilla, Georgia 31774.