Annie "Clara" Ellison Smith

Annie Clara Ellison Smith was born July 6, 1943 in Gillsville, GA to loving parents, the late Rafe Ellison Sr. and the late Clara Cox Ellison. She was raised and reared in Gainesville GA alongside her four siblings. Annie was preceded in death by her eldest brother, Harold Eugene Ellison and by her only sister, Winnie Sue Ellison Roper. Annie Clara was a lovely student who graduated in 1961, from Fair Street High School where she was crowned “Miss Maroon and White”. After high school Annie married Robert Norman “Bubba” Smith, Sr. They made their home together in Buford, GA with their one and only son, Robert Norman Smith, Jr. She was a devoted wife, mother and active member of Poplar Hill Baptist Church. After the sudden passing of her husband in 1983, Annie concentrated all her love and support on her beloved son throughout school; cheering him on in sports and in life. She especially enjoyed time spoiling 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 the workplace and beyond. She worked tirelessly for over 35 years in the food service field at Buford 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 natural beauty. She joined family members in worship at St. Paul UMC, where she served with the Hospitality Committee as well as the United Women in Faith missions group. Later in life Annie stayed active and stimulated by joining the Hall County Senior Center where she continued to make life-long friends, take trips and serve as the Best Bingo Caller for more than16 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 would comment on her kindness, her generosity, her stunning beauty, and her elegant sense of style 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 and Camdyn Smith, God daughter Kerry Ivory (Rufus) Randolph and a host of precious nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends.

Annie "Clara" Ellison Smith

July 6, 1943 - March 3, 2026