Gayla Lynn Smith passed away on Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at the age of 84.  A native and lifelong resident of Vicksburg, she was the daughter of the late William and Edith McKneely.  She was a member of Warrenton Independent Baptist Church.

In addition to her parents,  she was preceded in death by her husband, James Franklin Smith, Sr.; her brother, Bill McKneely; a son-in-law, Randy Graham; and two grandchildren, Breezie Penny and Skylar Smith.

She is survived by two sons, James Franklin Smith, Jr. (Wilma) of Murray, KY and Gary Wayne Smith (Cindy Sue) of Cartersville, GA; two daughters, Vicky Penny (Tommy) and Debra Graham, both of Vicksburg; a brother, James McKneely (Debbie) of Monticello, MS; three sisters:  Sherril Curtis of Wesson, MS, Lillian Williamson of Vicksburg, and Mary Taylor (Earnest) of Marshall, MO; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great great-grandchildren.

A celebration of Gayla's life will be held  at 2 PM on Friday, July 28 at Fisher-Riles Funeral Home, 1830 Cherry Street with Rev. Marvin Curtis officiating.  Visitation be from Noon until the hour of service.  Interment will follow in Greenlawn Gardens Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be her grandsons and Jerry Morris, Jonathan Curtis, Ronnie Morrow, Ronnie Middleton, Rev. Marvin Curtis,  and Larry Holloway. Memorials may be made to Warrenton Independent Baptist Church.