Retha Nell Smith James (best known as Granny) age 78 of Linden, Alabama went to be with Jesus on January 2, 2021. She was born on November 13, 1942 in Linden, Alabama to Daniel Jackson Smith Sr. and Edith Reeves Smith. She worked for Vanity Fair for 24 years and retired from Linden Lumber Company as a security guard. She was a member of Linden Baptist Church and attended Calvary Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Daniel Jackson Smith Sr. and Edith Reeves Smith and brother, Daniel Jackson Smith Jr.

She is survived by daughters, Edith Marie Bain, Megan James Hannah (Chad), and Taraleigh Lins (Patrick); son, David Timothy Etheridge (Rachel); and sister, Ruby Jean Smith Morris. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild as well as a host of nieces and nephews.

Graveside funeral services will be held at Holt Cemetery on Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at 2:00 pm with Rev. Pike Smith of Calvary Baptist Church officiating.

Pallbearers will be her grandchildren, Michael Ryan James, Michael Sean Bain, Brittany Bain Hardesty, Courtney Danielle Bain, Nicholas Caden Hannah, Kendall Lane Hannah, Logan Timothy Etheridge, Alexander Gaines Etheridge, Makaela Danielle Etheridge, David William Etheridge, and great grandchildren, Taylor Rhiannon Vail and Raegan Leighann Vail

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Calvary Baptist Church Building Fund.

Arrangements by O'Bryant Chapel Funeral Home.