Former Jackson first lady passes away at 104

JACKSON, Tenn. — Twins Jerry and Jack Smith say losing their mother is hard but knowing she made an impact on Jackson is what keeps them going.

“This certainly is a sad time in our lives, losing our mother, but the tears are tears of joy because of a life well lived,” Jerry Smith said.

Elizabeth Robbins Smith passed away Sunday morning at age 104. Many Jackson residents still remember her as the city’s first lady.

Her husband, the late George Smith, served as mayor from 1943 to 1951.

Current mayor Jerry Gist said Elizabeth is one of the pillars of Jackson.

“We’re a better city because Elizabeth shared the city with us,” Mayor Gist said.

Her twin boys said she wanted to impact people all over the city, and she did just that. Elizabeth served as a volunteer aide at the Jackson-Madison County General Hospital and was active in her church.

Jack and Jerry Smith said they remember their mother as a woman who loved the Lord, and they say that is the best lesson she could have ever taught them.

“We were there every Sunday,” Jack Smith said. “Mother and daddy carried us there when we were infants. We’ve been there ever since.”

The brothers are still active in the community and say they want to continue their parents’ legacy.

Funeral services for Mrs. Smith are set for Thursday.