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Patricia “Tricia” Palmer Smith, 67, of Bainbridge, Ga., passed away Wednesday, March 25, 2020.

 

Due to the ongoing concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, a private graveside funeral service will be held at Oak City Cemetery with Pastor Michael McCrickard officiating. 

 

Online visitors may sign the guest register at www.iveyfuneral.com. Memorial donations may be made to: First Christian Church, P. O. Box 907, Bainbridge, Ga. 39818; American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692; or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

 

Patricia Doris Palmer was born January 11, 1953 in Bainbridge, Ga., the daughter of J.E. and Doris Taylor Palmer. She was a graduate of Bainbridge High School, Class of 1971. She married Charles Henry Smith in 1973 and they made their home in Bainbridge where they were members of First Christian Church.

 

Working as a paraprofessional for Decatur County Schools helped Tricia earn the title of “Mama” to half of Bainbridge. She loved the children, especially those with special needs. Tricia always felt her calling was to care for others. She was a people person and self-described as “Personality Plus.” The “plus” included use of the telephone and she burned up many a phone line. Those that knew her well knew she could talk the horns off a billy goat. Southern gospel music and working in her yard brought her much joy especially if her grandchildren were participating. Tricia loved life and shared that spark, loudly and proudly, with everyone she encountered.

 

Survivors include her husband of almost 47 years, Charles H. Smith; her children Chad & Lora Smith of Thomasville, Ga. and Leigh Anne VanHousen & Bo Hyatt of Climax, Ga.; her siblings, Betty Harrell and Johnny & Kathy Palmer, all of Bainbridge; her grandchildren, Charlie, Spencer, Preston, Conner and Alexie; and a host of nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Tricia was preceded in death by her brother, Ronnie Palmer.