Shirley Smith's Obituary
Shirley Ann Smith, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, passed away on Monday, January 26, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and quiet grace that will continue to shape the lives of those who knew her.
Born on January 13, 1941, in Freedom, Pennsylvania, Shirley grew into someone who valued family and kindness above all else. She moved through life with a steady presence, as someone others relied on, learned from, and felt better simply being around.
She settled in Uniondale, New York, where she raised her three children. Shirley devoted her professional career to American Airlines, retiring after forty years of dedicated service. She remained a committed member of First Baptist Church of Freedom, Pennsylvania, throughout her life. She enjoyed singing, playing the piano, traveling, and deeply valued time spent with her many friends and family.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, John W. and Fannie Andrews Latham; her son, Willie J. Smith III, OLY; and her siblings, John “Jed” Latham, James Latham, Gaye Latham, Althea Latham Gibson, and Darlene Latham.
She is survived by her husband, Willie J. Smith, Jr.; her brother, Gerald “Jerry” Latham (Donna); her two children, Sebrina Smith and John W. Smith (Rosa); six grandchildren, Kendal A. Smith, Letiysha N. Smith, Joshua Edmondson, Justin Smith, Olivia (Cody) Codding, and Sonora (Javier) Mejia; and ten great-grandchildren, Jayson Germany, Brealon Smith, Zikyah Smith, Quincy ElCock, Orlando Mejia, Kaylee Smith, Alma Mejia, Adalyn Codding, Amelia Codding and Jacoby Mejia, as well as a wide circle of extended family and friends who will carry her memory forward.
The family extends their sincere gratitude to Saint Simeon’s Senior Community, Compassus Tulsa, Shanice, Shannon and all her caregivers for their kindness, care, and support.
A viewing will be held Thursday, February 5, 2026 from 5:00pm until 7:00pm. The funeral service will be held Friday, February 6, 2026 at 12:30pm. Both services will be held at Floral Haven Funeral Home in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.
Interment will take place at Floral Haven Memorial Gardens - Garden of Devotion
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