ELMIRA SUE SMITH

Elmira Sue Smith, age 81, passed away at Middlesboro A.R.H. Hospital December 21, 2025.

Elmira Sue was born in Middlesboro, Kentucky on September 21, 1944 to the late Betty Barton Johnson and Garrett Johnson.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Theodore “Bulleye” Smith, her daughter Betty Sue Smith, sisters Della Whithlow and Patricia Smith, brothers Phillip, James, Hershel Emmanuel and David Johnson, special friends Gladys and Harry England.

As a young child Elmira helped take care of her siblings and as time would have it, that love and affection would have an everlasting effect on who Elmira would become.

At the age of 15 years old she married the love of her life, Theodore Emmanuel Smith and as time would have it they would become to each other as Junior and Sue (Sissy).

You could always fine them somewhere off, sitting quietly with Momma on Daddy’s lap, laughing and cutting up together.

Daddy brought Momma to “Bulleye's Mountain” on October 14, 1959 after they married, and there they would build a life together.  Daddy built that house for Momma and they would be blessed with three daughters and a son.

Momma was a wife, mother, mamaw, granny, and most of all a caregiver.  Momma was never alone; there was always someone around. Momma devoted her life to taking care of her family foremost and taking care of her extended family as well.

Momma took great pride in taking care of her mother-in-law, and two sisters-in-law that lived with her and Daddy until their deaths.

Momma, we love and miss you but know what a sight it was to be back with Daddy.  We can hear Daddy say, “Sissy, come on over here and sit down on my lap, we got a lot of catching up to do.”  And with that little smile Daddy would give her and his arms around her and he would say, “Welcome home Sissy.  How’s those grandbabies doing?”

Elmira became a great granny June 10, 2011 with the birth of her first great grandson Brandon Aaron Williams who she called “my Brady”.  She was blessed thereafter with two more great grandsons and two great granddaughters.  She cherished her babies with all her heart.  No matter how far away, they could always feel her love.  She took so much pride and joy from being a Granny.

She was a member of Mount Mary Baptist Church in Middlesboro, Kentucky where she had dedicated her life to the Lord. She loved Jesus and talked so much about going home. Her Faith was strong knowing her home awaited her. The song "Welcome Home" by the Mountain Trio was her favorite. 

Mamaw had a way of always making you feel safe and at home.  No matter your troubles you could always run to her for comfort.  She was the true definition of love and nurturing.  If you ever needed an ear to listen it could be found with her and usually a mess/bushel of beans to snap, or during a game of rummy in which case she’d “slip shuck ya”.

Mamaw, you’re going to be so dearly missed, but we all know Ole Bulleyes’ going to take good care of you up there in heaven.  Now you both can watch over all your babies down here from up high on that mountain.

Left to mourn her passing, her children, Tammy Evans (Kenny), Linda Davis (Ronnie), Laura Ausmus, James “Bobby” Smith (Bonita), sisters Lisa Adams, Barbara Richardson, Ava Wilder, brother Raymond Johnson, grandchildren Ronnie Davis (Danae Phillips), Alena Williams (Joseph). Tiffany Whitley (Daniel), Brittany Hogue (Julio), Dylan Ausmus, Ema Lee Ausmus, MacKenzie Jones (Austin), Katie Smith, great grandchildren Brayden Willaims, Liam Williams, Eli Hogue, Maci Hogue, Addie Whitley, Jacob Whitley, special friend who checked on her often Eugene Caldwell, and Autum Hoskins who was there when we couldn’t be.

We want to say a special thank you to ARH 1st floor nurses and aids who helped with mom during her last days.  Thank you to ER staff Madison and Dr. Walters for your kindness and sympathy.  Extra special thank you to nurses Shannon, Sherri, Kamdyn, Katie, Riley, Elizabeth, John, and also CNA Olena; your kindness will never leave our hearts. To Allie, Paula, and Amanda in Respiratory, thank you for your kindness.

The family of Elmira Sue Smith will receive friends Saturday, December 27, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Green Hills Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be conducted by Elder Steve Green, Saturday, December 27, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. at Green Hills Funeral Home. 

Burial will follow in the Middlesboro Cemetery in Middlesboro, Kentucky.

Pallbearers will be Ron Davis, Ronnie Davis, Dylan Ausmus, Justin Johnson, Wade Adams, Michael Johnson, Julio Hogue, Daniel Whitley, and Mark Buis.

Green Hills Funeral Home, Middlesboro, is honored to serve the Smith Family.

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