A Celebration of the life of Inez Hilliard Smith
Inez Smith passed away peacefully at her home on July 15, 2026, at the young age of ninety-five.
Her survivors include four daughters: Vivian (Wilbert) Solomon of Douglas, GA, Wanda (Carlie) Lastinger of Pearson, Ga, Debbie Mills of Douglas, GA, and Kathy (Shelton) Crews of Broxton, GA; ten grandchildren: Stuart Solomon, Katie Solomon, Chrystal Carter, Forrest Lastinger, Daniel Lastinger, Tara Simpson, Lindy Wooten, Brody Mills, Jesse Floyd, and Dylan Floyd; nineteen great grandchildren; best friend, Debra Jump; sitter, Joy Ward; along with several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of sixty years, Lesteen Smith; father, Henry Hilliard; mother, Lovie Wooten Hilliard; five sisters: Lunette Carpenter, Eulee Hastings, Betty Miller, Ruby Smith, and Pearl Swinson; and three brothers: Dewey Hilliard, Huey Hilliard, and Louie Hilliard.
Born and raised in Broxton, Georgia, Inez was a woman whose life was defined by love, hard work, and devotion to her family. She dedicated her life to raising her four daughters, always putting the needs of her loved ones before her own.
Inez and her husband Lesteen owned and operated a grocery store in Broxton, Georgia. More than a grocery store, it became a gathering place and social hub where local farmers, neighbors, and friends met to share stories, laughter, and fellowship.
She will be remembered for her strength, compassion, hardworking nature, and the love she so freely gave. Her legacy lives on thorough her four daughters, her family, the many friends she made over the years.
Though she will be deeply missed, the memories she created and the loved she shared will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved her forever.
Thanks and appreciation to her nurses Lauren and Staff of Amedisys, Theresa Wilson and staff at Dr. Stan Sinclair’s office. We want to express our deepest thanks to her friends, Debra Jump, Joy Ward, and Andrea and the many helpers that she had in the past three years.
Active pallbearers will include, Stuart Solomon, Forrest Lastinger, Daniel Lastinger, Brody Mills, Jesse Floyd and Dylan Floyd.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Sims Funeral Home in Douglas, Ga from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM.
Graveside services will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026 at Providence Baptist Church Cemetery in Broxton, GA at 2:30 PM with Rev. Darrell Smith and Rev. Daniel Lastinger officiating.