In Loving Memory Of Mrs. Annie Sue (Kelley) Smith

It is with hearts deeply touched by sorrow that Mrs. Janice Houston and family announce the passing of her beloved mother, Mrs. Annie Sue (Kelley) Smith, on Friday, October 10, 2025, at Hospice Lagrange in Lagrange, GA. After an extended period of illness, she quietly slipped away into the loving arms of her Savior. The family asks for the prayers, love, and support of the community as they walk through this valley of loss together.

A Life of Faith, Service, and Love

ANNIE SUE (KELLEY) SMITH, a cherished lifelong resident of Historic East Roanoke, was born on December 19, 1937, in Randolph County, Alabama, to the late Willie Hal Kelley and Annie Mae Watkins.

A proud alumnus of the historic Randolph County Training School (R.C.T.S.), Annie graduated with the R.C.T.S. Class of 1958, along with classmates Eva Woodgett Forte, Sallie Finch, and other remaining members of this class.

On May 28, 1964, Annie united in holy matrimony with Mr. Ukle Smith, an honorably discharged veteran of the United States Army. Their union was built on mutual respect, love, and faith. Ukle preceded her in death on January 4, 1980, and now rests at Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery in Roanoke.

From an early age, Annie devoted her life to God and became a faithful member of First Missionary Baptist Church. Her love for worship and fellowship was evident through her service as a devoted member of the Sanctuary (T.J. Askew) Choir, where she also served faithfully as treasurer. She was an active Matron, a proud member of The Minnie Hairston Circle, and a dedicated worker in the Culinary Department, best known for her signature golden fried chicken — an unforgettable staple at the church’s annual gatherings.

A Heart for Caring

Professionally, Mrs. Smith answered a divine calling to care for others. As a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), she extended compassion, comfort, and dignity to countless lives during her years of service at Rosser’s Nursing Home, Traylor’s Nursing Home, and Roanoke Healthcare.  Her years in the health care field spanned from 1972 until she retired in 2001.   Her caregiving spirit also extended to her own family — nurturing her beloved mother, Annie Mae, as well as her uncle, Alfred Watkins, aunt, Minnie Ware, and cousin, Mary T. Bell, through their later years.

Even after retirement, Annie’s heart remained full of love and purpose. She became a nurturing presence in the lives of her six great-grandchildren — Makayla, Alexis, Jalissa, Jaquavious, Shaniya, and Maleigha — whom she affectionately cared for as both babysitter and grandmotherly guide. Her eyes often sparkled with pride as she witnessed three of them walk across the graduation stage.

A Faithful Journey Completed

After walking hand-in-hand with the Lord for eighty-seven blessed years, Annie Sue peacefully answered His call at 3:13 a.m. on October 10, 2025. She now joins the company of angels and is reunited with her husband, parents, siblings — Curtis Kelley, George McClendon, Arthur Ray Watkins, and Mattie Faye Watkins — and a host of cherished loved ones who journeyed home before her.

Cherished Memories Remain

She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and service that will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew her:
her devoted daughter, Janice Houston (Rev. Willie Clyde Houston);

three beloved grandchildren, Elder Delvan LeVald Houston, Willie Jerdarryl Houston, and LaKeisha Meshae Hooks (Reggie);

six treasured great-grandchildren, Makayla, Alexis, Jalissa, Jaquavious, Shaniya, and Maleigha Hooks;
 

two special nieces, Shunta Montague and Cynthia McClendon;

three special cousins, Geraldine Staples (Rev. Gilbert Staples), Helen Sims, and Mack Arthur Bell (Sandra);

three lifelong close cousins, Betty Satterwhite, Agnes Watkins, and Henry Watkins (Jeanette);

dearest friends who became like family — Agatha Baggin, Lois Carlisle, Jean Davis, Dorothy Henderson, Tina Hendricks, Annie Lee Hill, Alice Houston, Carol Paige, Patricia Parker, Ruby Trammell, and Barbara Watkins.

Beyond these, Annie Sue will be remembered with much love by countless nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, neighbors, and community members throughout Roanoke and the East Roanoke community, whose lives she touched with her kindness, laughter, and faith.

A Life Well Lived

Her life was a beautiful testimony to the power of quiet strength, steady faith, and a loving heart. Though her earthly song has ended, her melody will echo forever in the lives of those she loved.

Acknowledgements

The family of Annie Sue Smith acknowledges with grateful appreciation, all acts of kindness, prayers, cards, telephone calls, flowers and words of comfort extended to us during our time of bereavement.  Special thanks to Wellstar of Lagrange, Lagrange Hospice, Traylors Health and Rehabilitation   We are especially grateful to a few of her awesome caregivers, Ms. Katherine Walls, Destiney Ware and Kenya Owensby, Belinda McFarland and Geraldine Staples.  May God shower each of you with blessings is our prayer. 

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