Mrs. Gayla Smith Jordan, 83, of Smithdale, MS, called home to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, January 2, 2023 at her residence, surrounded by her family.

Mrs. Gayla was born in Walnut, IL on October 25, 1939 and was the daughter of Dale Burkey and Lucille Montgomery Burkey. She attended First Baptist Summit where she served in the nursery for many years. She was well known for her love for children and people and never met a stranger. She was an outdoors person and loved to be with her family, camping, mowing her yard and other yard work. Her compassion for animals is something she took pride in and was often known for taking in the strays. She loved her family, husband, sons, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and she cherished each moment spent with them. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Carey Smith; two brothers, Raymond Burkey, and Harold Burkey; one sister, Iris Spaulding, and one grandson, Drew River Smith.

She is survived by her husband, Joe V. Jordan of Smithdale, MS; three sons, Carey Dale Smith and Renae of Glenrock, WY, Kevin Smith and Alise of Summit, MS, and Craig Smith and Toni of McComb, MS; one stepson, Jorge Salazar and Maritza of Orlando, FL; two brothers, Ben Burkey and Pat of Winston Salem, NC, and Darry Burkey of Atascadero, CA; eleven grandchildren , Todd Smith, Jason Pittman, Dillon Osbourne and Nichole, Jennifer Smith, Tanner Smith and Casey, Jake Smith and Makayla, Marcus Groves and Jessica, Michael Groves and Katy, Zack Graham and Ashley, Tripp Graham and Ashley, and Chase Graham and Madison; sixteen great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.

Pallbearers will be Tanner Smith, Jake Smith, Todd Smith, Marcus Groves, Michael Groves, and Danny Roberts.

A visitation will be held on Friday, January 6, 2023 from 6PM until 8PM and continue on Saturday, January 7, 2023 from 10AM until time of service at 11AM at Sharkey Funeral Home in Summit, MS with Bro. Anthony Boyd and Dr. Larry LeBlanc officiating. A burial will follow in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Summit, MS.

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