Alma J. Smith, age 85 of LaFollette, TN., passed away Tuesday, April 18, 2017 at North Knoxville Medical Center.

She was born October 25, 1931 in Breathitt County, KY., the oldest daughter of Kelman and Eliza (Gilbert) Spencer. 

She grew up around the communities of Old Buck Creek and Shoulderblade, attended a one-room school until grade 8 before entering Breathitt County High School.  Her favorite subject was math.

She said that her grandfather, Marcus Gilbert, a well-known old regular Baptist Minister, baptized her in her youth.  She remembered the hours of prayer and singing when visiting her grandparents. 

Her family moved to Leatherwood, KY when her father went to work for Blue Diamond Coal Company in the 1940’s.  It was there she met her husband of 65 years, Milton Smith, and bore 3 children.

In 1965, Milton and Alma re-located their family to Harlan, KY when Milton took a job there.  Alma participated in her children’s school fund-raisers, volunteering at the local nursing home and briefly worked at Newberry’s.  After retirement, Milton and Alma settled in LaFollette, TN.

Alma’s main interests were always home and family.  She loved decorating for various holidays, working in her yard, and cooking, especially desserts.  She loved family gatherings and reunions and adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She cherished family photos and proudly displayed them throughout her home.  Her favorite vacation spot was Pigeon Forge, TN.

Alma was preceded in death by her parents Kelman and Eliza Spencer, her husband Milton and brothers A C and Coy Spencer.

Survivors include her children: daughter Phyllis Adams and husband Jerry of Harlan, KY.; son Milton Smith, JR and wife Doris of Dandridge, TN.; daughter Debbie Sergent of LaFollette, TN.

Also, mourning her passing are her grandchildren: Bryan Sergent and wife Lori of Andersonville, TN., Christopher Smith and wife Angela of New Market, TN., Andrew Smith of Arlington, VA.; she is also survived by 3 great-grandchildren Melia, Alexandria, and Titus Sergent. 

In addition, she is survived by 7 sisters: Bonnie Garrett of Nicholasville, KY., Faye Caudill and husband Verlon of Jacksboro, TN., Aleene Creech and husband Glen of Jacksboro, TN., Thelma Combs and Donnie of Nicholasville, KY., Dottie Spicer and husband Ralph of Fairborn, OH., Monella Keene and husband Roscoe of Huber Heights, OH., Paula Campbell of Nicholasville, KY.; 2 sisters-n-law “Dimples” and Joann Spencer of Cincinnati, OH.; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Family will receive friends between 11 AM – 1 PM Saturday, April 22, 2017 in the chapel of Martin Wilson Funeral Home; funeral service at 1 PM with Rev. Mark Partin officiating followed by the interment in Powell Valley Cemetery. 

Arrangements by Martin Wilson Funeral Home “Where families matter most”

Mrs. Smith’s guestbook may be viewed at martinwilsonfuneralhome.com