Mildred Ruth Roney Smith, 77 of Laurel, MS passed away peacefully Saturday, December 28, 2024, at University Medical Center in Jackson, MS after a short battle with cancer. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother whose life was a testament to faith, love, and generosity.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 2, 2025, from 1:00PM until 2:00PM at Kingston Assembly of God Church in Laurel, MS, followed by the funeral service at 2:00PM. The burial will take place immediately afterward at Mill Creek Church Cemetery in Laurel, MS. Ministers Jason Poole and Karon Linder will officiate. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel will oversee the arrangements.

She was born on March 2, 1947, in Laurel, MS, to Ernie Walton Roney, Sr. and Agnes Troy Welborn Roney. She graduated from R.H. Watkins High School in 1964. After graduation, she moved to Jackson, MS, and worked as a clerk for the Federal Bureau of Investigations. In 1969, she worked as a clerk in the Chancery Court in Laurel, MS, while attending Jones County Junior College. She earned her degree in nursing and worked as a Registered Nurse for many years. On February 12, 1971, she married Howard Smith, and they were married for 53 years.

Mildred was blessed with a green thumb and enjoyed caring for her garden and plants. She loved traveling to the beach where she cherished the serene sunrises and sunsets. Affectionately known as "Granny", she was an active and playful presence in her grandchildren's lives, engaging in spirited games and creating cherished memories. Though she possessed a quiet demeanor, her sharp sense of humor brought warmth and laughter to all that knew her. Her deep faith and charitable spirit lead her to support numerous missions, embodying her role as a prayer warrior dedicated to serving the Lord.

She is survived by her husband, Howard Levern Smith; son, Gregory Keith Smith (Heather) of Roanoke, VA; daughter, Teri Smith Keechle (Alexander) of Dallas, TX; grandchildren, Kyle Westlake, Steven Westlake, Mary Smith, Anna Smith, Tessa Nurre, Sawyer Keechle, Cooper Keechle, Trace Nurre and Tatum Nurre; brother, Dennis Neil Roney; sister, Elizabeth Diane Roney and many nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Alexander Keechle, Gregory Keith Smith, Teri Smith Keechle, Sawyer Keechle, Trace Nurre, and Steven Westlake.

Honorary pallbearers will be Mary Smith, Anna Smith, Tessa Nurre, Cooper Keechle, and Tatum Nurre.

Mildred, "fought a good fight, she finished her course, she kept the faith, and there is laid up for her a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge shall give her at that day, and not to her only, but to all them also who love His appearing." II Timothy 4:7-8 In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Samaritan's Purse, an organization that was close to her heart. Contributions can be made to the following: Online: https://samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/memorial-giving/ Mailing address: Samaritan's Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607 (Attn: World Medical Mission) Phone: 828-262-1980.