Roxie Jean Davis Smith

March 14, 1929 – March 15, 2024

Roxie Jean Davis Smith, beloved wife, mother, and daughter, passed away on March 15, 2024, at the age of 95. Born in Winona, Missouri on March 14, 1929, she was the fifth of six children born to John Morris Davis and Flora Bell Underwood Davis. She was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Homer William, Joseph Clyde, Clarence Ivan, John Robert, and her only sister, Shirley Ann Davis-Pemberton; her husband, James Lee (Jimmy) Smith; and their sons, James Lee (Jamey) Smith, Jr., and Mark Davis Smith.

Roxie moved to Newton, MS at the age of eighteen to work as a secretary in her brother Homer's lumber business. It was there she met the love of her life, Jimmy, a telegraph operator at the Newton Train Station. They married in 1948 at the Methodist Parsonage, and soon after started their family. After living in Pasadena, Texas for a few years, they returned to Newton, where they owned and operated a Standard Oil dealership, and purchased the Smith's Standard Oil Gas Station.

Professionally, Roxie served as the secretary to the Mayor of Newton, and after Jimmy's hip replacement, she worked alongside him at the station managing the books and overseeing other tasks.

Roxie was a devoted wife and mother, who took pride in raising her family. She was a member of the Newton Garden Club; Roxie inherited her love for gardening from her mother and twice was the recipient of the 'Most Beautiful Yard of the Month' award. She was a pillar of the Newton community for over 70 years. Roxie also enjoyed playing weekly bridge with her friends and loved golfing with Jimmy at the Newton Country Club. At the heart of her life was her unwavering faith, as she proudly stood as the oldest founding member of the Methodist Protestant Church, demonstrating a lifetime of devotion and service.

Roxie's love of her family was evident in every aspect of her life, providing support during both joyful occasions and times of difficulty. She was the bond that held her family together. Her life was centered around her loved ones and lifelong friendships.

She is survived by her daughters, Donna Kay Smith Duncan (James V. Duncan) and Lisa Ann Smith Crafton (George Fuller), along with her beloved grandchildren, Steve Davis Therrell (Stacy), Jack Lee Edwards (Michelle), and Jennifer Kay Crawshaw (Brent) — who was by her side and cared for Roxie, particularly during her final days on earth — as well as Chelsea Brinninstool (Andrew), Reed Crafton (Giavanna), and Tyler Smith. In addition to her children and grandchildren, Roxie leaves behind great-grandchildren: Chase and Jordan Therrell; Mackie, Davis, and Thomas Edwards; and Lily Grace Crawshaw, as well as several nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved deeply.

The family would like to thank Enhabit Hospice, caregivers Danielle Harris and Kennethra Guidry for their dedication and compassion they have shown our mother and grandmother in her time of need.

The funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at Newton County Funeral Home South, located at 100 Old Highway 15 Loop, Newton, MS 39345. Visitation will take place from 1 to 2 p.m., followed by the funeral services from 2 to 3 p.m. The day will conclude with a graveside service at Masonic Cemetery from 3 to 3:30 p.m.

In lieu of Flowers Donations can be made to:

Enhabit Cares Foundation

6688 North Central Expressway, Suite 1300

Dallas, Texas 75206

Online: www.encompasscares.org

Newton County Funeral Home-South, 100 Old Hwy. 15 Loop, Newton, served the Smith family.