Evelyn Louise (Cranford) Smith

Evelyn Louise Cranford Smith (Dec. 12, 1929 - Jan. 11, 2023) passed away peacefully at her home in Ooltewah, Tennessee. 

She is predeceased by her parents, Bertha Mull and Marvin Cranford. She is also predeceased by her son, Jerry Thompson and her brother, Edward “Sonny” Cranford and sister, Katherine “Kat” Hubert. 

Evelyn grew up in China Grove, NC. surrounded by loving family, friends, and faith. She adored her only son, Jerry, who she raised as a single mom. Later in life, she met and married James “Tee” Smith in Ohio.  Upon his early retirement, they returned to Jimmy’s hometown of Whitwell, TN where she owned and ran her own business, Evelyn’s Beauty Shop. She was active in her church, teaching Sunday school to her “ladies” for many decades. She also prided herself on her true “Southern” cooking and entertaining. 

Evelyn and Jimmy explored the country in their camper, enjoying planning their trips as much as taking them. They visited their granddaughters and great grandchildren in New England many times. At home, they raised goats, cows, and a variety of animals that came and went.

After Jimmy’s death, Evelyn moved to Ooltewah to be closer to Jerry and Nancy. In her community she participated in Bible study, Bingo, and took scroll saw classes. 

Evelyn is survived by her loving family, daughter-in-law, Nancy Thompson, granddaughters Jennifer Strong and husband Anthony, Heather Paquette and husband Brian, nephew Jack Smith, and her four great grandchildren, Kaylie and Kaitlyn Strong, and Ben and Audrey Paquette.

Evelyn lived a life of unwavering faith and in her final days, she was at peace and “ready to meet Jesus.” She will be forever missed by her family.   

Her family would like to thank her wonderful caretakers at Morning Pointe and hospice.

Family will receive friends 11AM-1145AM, CDT, Saturday, January 27, 2024.

Graveside Service 12PM, CDT, Saturday, January 27, 2024, at Whitwell Memorial Cemetery.

Arrangements by Whitwell Memorial Funeral Home, Inc. (423) 658-7777.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Evelyn Louise (Cranford) Smith, please visit our floral store.