Jerrel June “Jerry” Hunter Smith, 92, of Henderson, peacefully entered her heavenly home on Jan. 28, 2026.
A “Celebration of Life” service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 7.
Visitation will be 10-11:30 a.m. Memorials can be directed to First Baptist Church of Henderson’s Music Ministry, 504 E. Main St., Henderson, TN 38340
Born on May 6, 1933, she was the only daughter of Leo and Carrie Hunter of Mantee, Miss. She grew up alongside her five brothers, Guthrie (Libby) Hunter, Wayne (Margie) Hunter, Kilmer (Deanie) Hunter, Billy (Jessie Faye) Hunter and Gene (Jean) Hunter, all of whom preceded her in death.
A graduate of Cumberland High School in Cumberland, Miss., she married Rev. Stanley James Smith on Oct. 22, 1950. She faithfully served God as a pastor’s wife at age seventeen.
They moved to New Orleans, La., to attend Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, where they attended classes. While residing in New Orleans, they raised their first born, a daughter, Wanda (Herbert) Butler.
After moving to Jackson, Miss., their son, Hunter (Brian Tellinghuisen) Smith, was born. A second son, Paul Smith, and a second daughter, Kim (Jeff) Teague, were born in Little Rock, Ark.
After moving to Henderson in 1970, Jerry attended First Baptist Church with her family. She became the loyal secretary to First Baptist Church in 1971 at age 54 and remained working there until she retired at age 84, a total of 30 years.
She was a pastor’s wife at Falcon Baptist Church in Selmer, serving side-by-side with Stanley for many years, while continuing to serve as First Baptist Henderson’s secretary.
She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great grandmother. She was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church and Falcon Baptist Church, where she served in numerous roles, of which her favorite was singing alto in the choir.
Her life was devoted to God’s ministry and her family. She was always enthusiastic, positive and encouraging and was an excellent listener as well as a fine example of a righteous christian woman.
Jerry was definitely a “hands-on” grandmother, whether it be getting dirty, making mud pies, sledding, painting…she was active and energetic. Her laughter and contagious smile shed so much light to all who were blessed to be in her presence.
Her legacy continues through her six grandchildren, Blake (Heidi) Butler, Natalie (Mitchell) Busby, Lola Smith, Lindsey (David) Teague Owens, Ripley Scott and Tyler (Trenity) Teague.
She has seven great-grandchildren, Landon (Hannah) Butler, Toby Stroud, Laila Stroud, Tessa Butler, Georgia Busby, Daisy Busby and Delta Busby; and one great-great-grandchild, Dalton Butler.
