Willa Smith

Tupelo - Willa Searcy Smith, 75, died Saturday, June 18, 2011, at The Sanctuary Hospice House after a lengthy illness. A native of Belmont, she was born March 10, 1936, to Troy and Inez Hicks Searcy. She worked most of her life in the retail apparel industry and as an interior design consultant. She was blessed with a wonderful gift that allowed her to achieve elegance in both. She was a devoted friend willing to help others in any way. She was a charter member of the Salvation Army Auxiliary and had served as President of the Tupelo Symphony League, where she made many valuable contributions. She was an active member of Calvary Baptist Church.

Services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 21, 2011, at The Jefferson Street Chapel of W. E. Pegues with Dr. David Eldridge officiating. Burial will be in Tupelo Memorial Park.

Survivors include her husband of 56 years, Darrell Smith; one daughter Donna McNeece (Jesse) of Tupelo; grandchildren, Reed Hawkins (Amber) of Loxley, Alabama, James Hawkins, Avery McNeece, Taylor McNeece and Jill McNeece all of Tupelo; one great-grandson, Caden Hawkins; two brothers, Charles Ray Searcy (Mary Lynn) of Belmont and Bob Searcy (Debbie) of Livonia, Michigan; one brother-in-law, John W. Smith (Delores) of Tupelo; six nieces and nephews; six great-nieces and nephews; a special friend and caregiver Roslyn McCoy (Charlie) and numerous friends in Christ .

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Pallbearers will be Tommy Brooks, Bill Langston, Mickey Holliman, Ed Neely, Benton Hilburn and Gray Megginson.

Visitation will be 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, June 20, 2011, at the funeral home.

If desired, in lieu of flowers memorials may be made in her honor, to The Sanctuary Hospice House, P. O. Box 2177, Tupelo, MS 38802.

Expressions of sympathy may be left at www.peguesfuneralhome.com