Cleo Ann Smith, age 82, of Copperhill, Tennessee, passed away on Friday, December 19, 2025, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on December 7, 1943, in Blue Ridge, Georgia, to the late Charlie Hall and Ethie Payne Hall.

A woman of deep and devoted faith, Cleo was a longtime member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church (Tumbling Creek), where she found great joy in worship and fellowship. She had a love for flowers and treasured every moment spent with her family. Above all, Cleo's life was centered on her love for God and her church.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Smith Sr.; children, James Smith Jr. and Jane Cleo Smith; step-granddaughter, Stephanie Nechelle Bearden; and great-granddaughter, Iyla Bearden.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Sherry and Keith Bearden; daughter-in-law, Joyce Payne Smith; grandchildren, Bradley Austin Bearden (Joan) and April Renee Bearden; step-grandchild, David Cecil Bearden (Luisa) ; great-grandchildren, Tyler Jason Deal, Aubree Nechelle Dills, Tyler Dills, Brody Bearden, Lydia Bearden, Evelyn Bearden, Bryson Bearden, Nicole Vanderzouwen, and Faith Vanderzouwen; siblings, Fred Hall (Fran) and Frances Hall; along with numerous extended family members and dear friends.

Funeral services were held on Sunday, December 21, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. from the Mt. Zion Baptist Church (Tumbling Creek) with Rev. Doyle Davis officiating. Music was provided by the church choir led by Alex Deal. Interment followed in the Mt. Zion Baptist Church Cemetery (Tumbling Creek) with the following serving as pallbearers: Austin Bearden, Brian Mulcare, David Rymer, Tyler Dills, Alex Deal, Randy Deal, and Chase Norton. The family visited with friends at the Akins-Cobb Funerals & Cremations of Copperhill, Tennessee on Saturday evening, December 20, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.akinscobb.com

Akins-Cobb Funerals & Cremations of Copperhill, TN was in charge of these arrangements.