Shelby Jean (Mathis) Hatcher-Smith

Shelby Jean Hatcher Smith, a beacon of love and generosity, passed away on April 17, 2024, after an extended illness. Born on October 25, 1939, in Dothan, Alabama, Shelby's warm spirit and selfless nature touched all who knew her. She departed this life in the comfort of her home in Rehobeth, Alabama, surrounded by the love of her family.

Funeral Services will be held at 2 P.M. Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Ward Wilson Funeral Home with Pastor Jayson Kirk officiating. Burial will follow in Gardens of Memory Cemetery with Ward Wilson Funeral Home directing.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.

Shelby grew up in the warm embrace of Dothan, where she was nurtured by her loving parents, the late Talmadge B. Mathis and Allie Hall Mathis. Her life was further enriched by the bonds with her 11 siblings.

In her youth, Shelby's heart was captured by Robert Edward Hatcher, to whom she was married until his passing. Their love blossomed into a family of four remarkable sons, Kenneth, Bruce, Todd, and Greg. Shelby's journey of love did not end there, as she found companionship and happiness once again with Perry Smith, whom she married on April 28, 2007. Together, they shared a life full of laughter and joy.

In addition to her parents, Talmadge and Allie Mathis, Shelby was preceded in death by her first husband, Robert Edward Hatcher.

Survivors include her husband, Perry Smith; sons,  Kenneth (Patti), Bruce (Caryn), Todd (Kristin), and Greg (Robin) Hatcher; grandchildren, Brittney Patchett, Daniel Hatcher, Nicholas Hatcher, Jonathan Hatcher, Sadie Burke, Sage Bradford, Jacob Hatcher, Millie Flippo, Nealy Wright, and Trent Hatcher; great-grandchildren, Ava Grace Edge, Ellison Edge, Wade Hatcher, Luke Hatcher, Irie Hatcher, William Glass, Thatcher Burke, Micah Hatcher, Eli Hatcher, Olivia Flippo, Luka Flippo, Amelia Wright, Emmi Wright, Hailyn Bradford, and Riley Bradford; siblings, Shirley Ann Hatcher, Verdell Deal, Edna Carol Andrews, Deborah Theresa Mathis, Karon Elaine Blue, Kathy Lynn Kelley, Coley Mathis, Larry Mathis, Jerry Mathis, Tillman Mathis, and Ronnie James Mathis; bonus children, Amanda McCallister, James Perry Smith, and Corey Chad Smith; bonus grandchildren, Kayla Smith, Katlin Rouse, Caleb Smith, Tate Smith, Gray Smith, and Shelby Smith; and bonus great-grandchildren, Hadley Smith and Brinley Smith.

Shelby's passion for life was evident in everything she did. She was a master in the kitchen, known for her chicken & dumplings and her famous 13-layer chocolate cake. Her love for Alabama Football was infectious, and her rallying cry of "Roll Tide" will be fondly remembered by all who knew her. A very loving person, Shelby was the epitome of a nurturing mother, not only to her four boys but to all who crossed her path. Her gardens were a testament to her love for beauty, as she spent countless hours planting flowers and watching the hummingbirds dance.

Her love extended beyond her family, as she was a dedicated member of her community, catering with her sisters and sisters-in-law, and ensuring all her grandchildren attended Vacation Bible School for years. Shelby's interests were as varied as they were heartfelt, from fishing to traveling, and from dancing to simply enjoying the company of friends and family.

Today, we honor a woman whose life was a portrait of love and selflessness. Shelby Jean Hatcher Smith, a true embodiment of the Southern spirit, will be dearly missed but never forgotten.

In Lieu of Flowers donations may be made in honor of Shelby to Alzheimer's Foundation of America

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