Matrah Smith

Matrah Sellers Smith, 73, of Orange Grove, died Saturday, January 1, 2005 in Gulfport. Born in Toombs County, Georgia, she lived the second half of her life as a Coast resident. She was a member of Bel-Aire Baptist Church in Gulfport. She will be deeply missed by loving family members and friends. Ms. Smith is preceded in death by her parents: Fred Robert and Atha Pardue Sellers; sisters Marie Sellers, Euphemia Sellers and Wilma Newsome; and a brother, Theodore Sellers. She is also preceded by her friend, former husband, and father of her three daughters, Dennis Weeks. She is survived by brothers: James, Haywood, and H.D. Sellers; and sisters Nadine 'Punk' Bryant and Erma Jean Sheffield, all of Moultrie, GA. She is also survived by her daughter, Betty Daniel, of Gulfport; grandchildren: John 'Jackie' Helmert (Cathy) of Oxford; Aldon Helmert (Ashley) of Woolmarket; Brandi Stanley (Bo) of Katy, TX; Matthew Walker (Felicia) of Marietta, GA; Joshua 'Josh' Daniel of Auburn, AL; Kodie Mayberry of Gulfport; and eight great-grandchildren: Elizabeth (11), Rodrick (8), Evan (5), Jake (4), Scott (3), Joey (2), Paige (22 months), Laurin (10 months), with another great-grandchild due to be born this summer. She also had two daughters, Carolyn Saddler and Janet Cothern. After retiring from construction retail sales in 1997, Ms. Smith spent most of her time as caretaker and good friend to a number of elderly or ailing persons in Harrison County. She was a one time coach of the local Wildcats tee ball team. Visitation will be Sunday, January 2, 2005 from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home on Oneal Road in Orange Grove. A funeral service will be held Monday, January 3 at 10:00 AM at Bel-Aire Baptist Church in Gulfport. Graveside service and burial will be Tuesday, January 4 at 1:00 PM at New Bethel Church Cemetery in Moultrie, Georgia.