Neva Ann McGuire Smith, 76, formerly of Selma, Alabama, passed away August 29, 2014 in Decatur, Georgia.Visitation was held at Selma Funeral Home on Friday, September 5, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. The funeral service was at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel with Rev. Ed Byrom officiating. Interment was in Pineview Memory Gardens with Selma Funeral Home directing.

Pallbearers were Robert Webster, Ken Motley, Rodney Morris, Donnie Boozer, Darrell Kendrick and Rod Stone.

Neva was born in Memphis, TN on March 9, 1938, and was raised primarily in Eupora, MS. She later moved to Summit, MS where she graduated from Summit High School. She then relocated to Selma, AL where she met and married James P. Smith in January of 1957. Neva was a stay at home mother until the children were in their teens, when she went to work at Southside High School for 4 years. After leaving Southside, she started her career at the Alabama Unemployment Office where she worked until she retired in 2001. Neva loved the beach, spending summers in Gulf Shores AL. She loved her church, Fairview Baptist, and stayed connected with them after relocating to Georgia in 2013. Neva was a proficient seamstress and avid sports fan of the Atlanta Braves and professional tennis, both men’s and women. She will forever be cheering on the Braves, Nadal and Serena. Neva was a devoted wife and mother who will be greatly missed.

Neva is preceded in death by her husband, James P. Smith and her parents, Willie Irene Franks McGuire and Thomas Layfayette McGuire; two brothers, William Thomas McGuire and James Franks McGuire; two sisters, Sarah Josephine McGuire and Willie Mae Blalock.

Neva is survived by her sisters, Mary (Neil) Depoister, Marceline (Richard) Johnson, June (Lee John) Speights, Martha (Dan) Finnen and brother, Gerald (Dorothy) McGuire of Liberty, MS; daughter, Marta (Robert) Webster of Selma, AL, son, Gregg Smith (Michael McLean) of Atlanta, GA; numerous nieces and nephews and five grand – doggies.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Emory University Hospital, the Visiting Angels and Seasons Hospice and Palliative Care Center for their loyal support in her final days.