Annie Ellison "Clara" Smith

Annie Smith ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Wimberly Funeral Home on Mar. 5, 2026.Annie Clara Ellison Smith was born July 6, 1943 in Gillsville, GA to loving parents, the lateRafe Ellison Sr. and the late Clara Cox Ellison. She was raised and reared in Gainesville GAalongside her four siblings. Annie was preceded in death by her eldest brother, HaroldEugene Ellison and by her only sister, Winnie Sue Ellison Roper. Annie Clara was a lovelystudent who graduated in 1961, from Fair Street High School where she was crowned "MissMaroon and White".After high school Annie married Robert Norman "Bubba" Smith, Sr. They made their hometogether in Buford, GA with their one and only son, Robert Norman Smith, Jr. She was adevoted wife, mother and active member of Poplar Hill Baptist Church. After the suddenpassing of her husband in 1983, Annie concentrated all her love and support on her belovedson throughout school; cheering him on in sports and in life. She especially enjoyed timespoiling her two beautiful granddaughters, Kibriyah Smith and Camdyn Smith.Annie was known as a people-person who made others feel loved and cared for in theworkplace and beyond. She worked tirelessly for over 35 years in the food service field atBuford General Hospital, Buford City Schools, and Buford Manor Nursing Home.After retirement Annie moved back to Gainesville GA and worked several more years.People often say she greeted everyone with a warm smile which only added to her naturalbeauty. She joined family members in worship at St. Paul UMC, where she served with theHospitality Committee as well as the United Women in Faith missions group. Later in lifeAnnie stayed active and stimulated by joining the Hall County Senior Center where shecontinued to make life-long friends, take trips and serve as the Best Bingo Caller for morethan16 years. She rarely missed a day until battles with a long-term illness kept her away.Annie was strong in Faith even on her most difficult days. Wherever she went people wouldcomment on her kindness, her generosity, her stunning beauty, and her elegant sense ofstyle even in her eighties.Finally, Annie rests in the arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.She leaves to cherish her memory, her son, Robert Norman (Nell) Smith, Jr., Brothers Rafe(Karen) Ellison Jr. and Larry Douglas (Vanessa) Ellison Granddaughters Kibriyah Smith andCamdyn Smith, God daughter Kerry Ivory (Rufus) Randolph and a host of precious nieces,nephews, cousins and special friends.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.