03/03/2026
Mittie McKinney Smith
Mittie McKinney Smith was born on May 17, 1955, in Macon. From the very beginning, Mittie embodied warmth, kindness, and a timeless beauty that would leave a lasting imprint on everyone she met. A devoted mother, proud “Mimi,” wife to Tommy, and faithful Christian woman, she lived her life with quiet strength, unwavering love, and a servant’s heart.
Mittie graduated from Monroe Academy, where she was crowned Homecoming Queen and loved by many. She later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Macon State College, while working full time and raising her two children. This is a testament to her intelligence and determination. A trait that has been shared by the women in her family. She carried a strong work ethic throughout her life and instilled that same strength and perseverance in her children.
As a young girl, Mittie had a deep love for horses. She showed and competed often, frequently alongside her sister, Sandee. Those early years reflected her competitive spirit and her appreciation for beauty and discipline. Mittie dearly loved her siblings. Her brothers Donny and Bobby, and her sisters Bunky, Joy, and Sandee. The bond they shared was filled with laughter, memories, and lifelong love. She treasured each of them deeply. Today, we find comfort in knowing there was surely a joyful reunion as she was welcomed into heaven by her parents, Ed and Faye, her beloved sisters, Bunky, Joy and her niece, Mallory. She cherished time spent at her Grandmama’s house, where she learned to knit and sew. Skills that blossomed into a lifelong passion. Mittie lovingly sewed shirts, curtains, and clothes for her children and grandchildren, stitching care and devotion into every piece.
She was a devoted mother to her son, Shep, and daughter, Amanda. Shep, married to Shannan, blessed Mittie with her granddaughter, Marion Faye. Amanda, married to Matt, gave her two beloved grandsons, Hoage and Robert. Mittie’s grandchildren were the pride and joy of her life. Whatever they wanted, Mimi happily gave. Whether it was presents, homemade meals, movies together, or hours spent playing dolls and fixing hair. Hoage and Robert were “her boys,” and she delighted in cooking her famous chicken and rice for them, watching movies, often Madea or football, and even correcting Robert’s laundry folding. Marion Faye was showered with dolls, love, and endless attention. Her simple greetings of “Hey Darlin’” or “Hey Buddy” will echo in their hearts forever.
Mittie never missed a sporting event. She was in the stands for Shep’s baseball and football games, and Amanda’s softball and gymnastics meets. She could holler at an umpire over a bad call yet lovingly remind her own children to mind their manners. She taught them their place, with strength, grace, and humor. One of Shep’s favorite memories was learning to water ski, his mother standing steady on the backs of his skis until he found his balance. That was Mittie, supporting from behind until you could stand on your own.
She loved deeply and celebrated loudly. Birthdays were always special occasions, and she made sure everyone felt like royalty on their day. She bragged about Shep’s culinary talents and treasured when he cooked for her, though she never turned down a good omelet at Waffle King. She was an avid fan of the Atlanta Braves, loving them faithfully, even when others did not.
Mittie had an extraordinary gift for making a house a home. She could decorate like no other, adding elegant Southern touches wherever she went. Amanda especially cherished coming home to find her mama had done her laundry and arranged fresh plants and flowers around the porch. She especially treasured sharing that passion with her sister-in-law, Kathleen, a master gardener. The two exchanged knowledge, tips, and stories, nurturing not only beautiful gardens but also a special bond rooted in their shared love of God’s creation. She loved her hair appointments, her hair and skincare products, and always presented herself classy and beautifully accessorized. She was timeless, sophisticated, and Southern to her core.
Mittie had a remarkable ability to read a person’s character within moments. She welcomed others with open arms, ready to pull up a chair and cook a meal at any time. Her Christian faith guided her servant’s heart. She loved others well, gave generously, and left everyone feeling seen and valued.
Above all, Mittie loved her family fiercely. She leaves behind a legacy of warmth, strength, grace, and unwavering love. Though her presence will be deeply missed, her influence lives on in the lives she shaped, the traditions she built, and the countless memories that will be cherished forever.
Everyone loved Mittie, and those who knew her will carry her light in their hearts always.
Survivors include her husband, Joel Thomas Smith of Swainsboro; son, Shep Caldwell (Shannan) of Beaufort, SC; daughter, Amanda Reynolds (Matt) of Swainsboro; brothers, Bobby McKinney (Wendy) of Ruston, WA, Donny McKinney (Kathleen) of Macon; sister, Sandee Tebeau; grandchildren, Hoage Reynolds, Robert Edward Reynolds, Marion Faye Caldwell; several nieces, nephews and many friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents, sisters, Bunkie Campbell and Joy McKinney, and a niece, Mallory Baldschun.
Memorial Service will be held 3:00 p.m. Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Hart’s Mortuary on Peak Road.
Family and friends may gather immediately following the service at the home of Donny and Kathleen Mckinney.
Condolences may be expressed at www.chapmanfhofswainsboro.com
Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro is in charge of the arrangements for Mrs. Mittie M. Smith, 70, of Swainsboro.
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