Myrtice Marie Smith

Myrtice Marie Smith (McCollough) November 6, 1936 – November 9, 2025 Myrtice Marie Smith (McCollough), age 89, of St. Elmo, Alabama, passed away suddenly yet peacefully on November 9, 2025, surrounded by her four loving sons and cherished grandchildren. She was born on November 6, 1936, in St. Elmo, Alabama. Myrtice was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Stanley Smith, and by her parents, Johnnie Macon McCollough and Dolly Mae McCollough (Thomas). She is survived by her four devoted sons and their beloved wives: Johnny Kirkland (Cindy), Ricky Kirkland (Janet), Billy Kirkland (Paula), and Jamie Kirkland. She is also lovingly remembered by her three stepchildren: Jimmy Kirkland, Janice Cooper (Jim), and Anita Kirkland. She is further survived by her two sisters, Winifred Goleman and Glenda Stanley, who shared many years of love, laughter, and cherished memories with her. When the three sisters were together, their family fondly called them “The Golden Girls”—a nickname that perfectly captured their humor, warmth, and the special bond they shared. A proud and loving grandmother, Myrtice leaves behind a lasting legacy through her grandchildren: Tosha Kirkland (James), Courtney Moore (Joshua), Nathan Kirkland, Kirk Kirkland (Jessika), Morgan Turo (DJ), Logan Kirkland (Christian), Jordan Kirkland, Garrett Kirkland (Becca), and Alexandrea Pipkins (Timmy); great-grandchildren: Destiny Wallace (Hunter), Kaylee Kirkland, Chyanne Sealy, Tucker Kirkland, Aela Reese, Aria Kirkland, Navy Kirkland, Lilly Kirkland, Halle Kirkland, Hardy Kirkland, Karter Pipkins, Anni Pipkins, Gracyn Turo, Emmy Turo, Brynn Turo, Harleigh Kirkland, and Clara Kirkland; and great-great-grandchildren: Adrian Wallace and Audrey Wallace. Her family was her greatest joy, and she found her deepest happiness in the love they shared together. Myrtice also leaves behind her very special friend, Ngoc Huynh, whom she deeply cherished. Their friendship was a blessing in her later years, bringing laughter, care, and companionship that meant so much to her and her family. In her early years, Myrtice found immense joy in watching her four sons play the game of baseball. She never missed a single game and proudly cheered them on from the stands, always their biggest fan. Those moments brought her great pride and countless cherished memories that her family will forever hold dear. To say she was a devoted mom is an understatement. She was our guide, our strength, and our protector. She wasn’t afraid to tell us when we were wrong and made sure, we understood it—but we always knew she had our backs and would give her life for any one of us. Mom loved the holidays because that meant everyone was together under one roof. She adored meeting and holding each new grand and great-grandchild, and you could see pure joy on her face as she watched them play. She loved it most when they climbed into her lap, where they always found warmth, comfort, and unconditional love. Myrtice will be remembered for her kind and gentle spirit, her unwavering faith, and her boundless love for her family. She touched the lives of everyone who knew her with her warmth, strength, and generosity. Her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those she loved so deeply. The family takes comfort in knowing that Myrtice has gone home to be with the Lord, reunited with her loved ones in eternal peace.

Tributes

Myrtice Marie Smith

November 6, 1936 - November 9, 2025