Lila Golden Smith

Lila Golden Smith, better known as "Sis" because of her five brothers, age 96, of Rock Creek, Alabama, went to be with the Lord on December 6, 2025. Lila was born in Bessemer, Alabama, on October 27, 1929, to Henry C. Golden and Macie Golden. She was a faithful and devoted member of Unity Baptist Church in Rock Creek for many years where she was beloved by all and known and admired for her compassion and generosity. She was always one of the first to offer assistance to the less fortunate whether it meant assisting a family in the community that had fallen on hard times or adopting and providing a home for a stray animal. Lila grew-up during the great depression and she never forgot how it felt to be needful. Her greatest joy was to help make life a little better for others not as fortunate. Flashing her beautiful smile and bright blue eyes she always had an encouraging word for all that she encountered whether they were an old friend or new acquaintance. Lila lived a long and fulfilling life but she never lost her adolescent zest for living life to the fullest and enjoying the companionship of family and friends. She thoroughly enjoyed sharing childhood escapades, and, with her lovely "southern Drawl" accent and her penchant for rambling but colorful narrative, she was a master storyteller. None who ever heard her tell the stories of throwing her "Christmas doll into the briar patch" or "changing her name from Lila to Margaret" in the 9th grade without her parents' knowledge or permission could ever forget those hilarious renditions. She was preceded in death by; Thomas Richard Smith, Jr. her husband of 56 years; Henry C. Golden and Macie H. Golden (parents); George Golden, Chester ("Check") Golden, Earl Golden, Milton Golden (brothers) and Peggy G. Bush (sister). She is survived by her loving daughter, Patsy S. Martin (Steve); her grandchildren,. Brett A. Martin and Brandi L. Martin; her great granddaughter, Lyla Rose Martin; many loving nieces and nephews; and her special friend Tommie Raney. Visitation will be on Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., at Bessemer Brown Service Funeral Home in Bessemer, Alabama (205-425-2424). A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 12th at Bessemer Brown Service Funeral Home in Bessemer, Alabama, with a graveside service following at Jefferson Memorial Gardens, 2701 John Hawkins Parkway, Hoover, Alabama.

Lila Golden Smith

October 27, 1929 - December 6, 2025