Helen Eakes Smith

A graveside service will be held for Helen Eakes Smith from Cedarlawn Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 24, 2021, with Rev. Steve Craft officiating. Visitation will be held at McClain-Hays Funeral Home from 9:00 a. m. until time of service. McClain-Hays Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Mrs. Smith, 92, of DeKalb, died Wednesday, September 22, 2021. A native of Neshoba County, she was a resident of Kemper County for most of her life. She was a graduate of Shady Grove School. She loved her flowers and gardening. Mrs. Smith attended Spanish Oak Church in Kemper County. Survivors include daughters, Cathy Stewart (Jim) and Sherby May, both of Philadelphia; grandchildren, Lynn Thrash, Debbie Cosgrove (Greg), Kim Goss (Jonathan), Bobby May (Tonya); great-grandchildren, Hunter Thrash, Kelsey Cosgrove, Emily Goss, Clay Goss, and James May; sisters, Pauline Pope of Meridian, Marie Savell (Herman) of Philadelphia; brother, Ralph Eakes of Meridian; and a host of nieces and nephews. Mrs. Smith was preceded in death by her husband, Buddy Smith; parents, Walter and Evie Eakes; sister, Irene Lenior; brothers, Erving, Daniel, J. W., Wayne, Ray Eakes; and son-in-law, Charles May, great-granddaughter, Brittany Cosgrove. Pallbearers are Greg Cosgrove, Bobby May, Hunter Thrash, Jonathan Goss, and Lamar Savell.