Paula Jean George Smith, 74, of Florence, Alabama, passed away peacefully on June 16, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. .Paula was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend whose kindness and generosity touched countless lives. She was known for her sweet spirit and having a heart of gold. Her home was a place where everyone felt welcome, and her love was felt by all who knew her. One of Paula’s greatest joys was cooking for her family and friends. She truly showed her love through every meal she prepared. Whether it was a holiday gathering, a Sunday dinner, or simply a meal shared with loved ones, Paula’s kitchen was the heart of her home. The memories made there will be cherished forever.
Paula was preceded in death by her father, Hubert Eugene George; mother, Addie Taylor Richardson; husband, Richard Charles Smith; daughter, Jill Lynn Green Stone; step-sons, Richard Hasson Smith and Robert Charles Smith.
She is survived by sons, Jeremy Wayne Stone (Deidre) and Joshua Gene Stone (Jessica); sister, Karla Petkovich; fur baby, George; and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Those who knew Paula will remember her warm smile, her compassionate spirit, and her unwavering love for her family. She had a special gift for making people feel cared for, and her presence brought comfort and joy to those around her. While her passing leaves an emptiness that cannot be filled, her legacy of love and kindness will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her. The family finds comfort in knowing that the lessons she taught, the love she shared, and the memories she created will remain with them always.
“A life well lived leaves a legacy of love.
“1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
“But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God, and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”
