Ella Catherine Mitchem Smith

Ella Catherine Mitchem Smith, age 85, of Darlington, Florida, gained her eternal angel wings on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at 10:19 a.m. She was born on July 31, 1939, in Darlington, Florida, to Arvin Arvil Mitchem and Burler Louvester Alford Mitchem. Ella was the second of five children born to her loving parents and grew up surrounded by family, faith, and hard work.

Ella was known for her unconditional love for family and friends, a trait that defined her life. She was a dedicated homemaker, well known for her red velvet cakes and tireless work ethic. She was a self-employed contract poultry grower for thirty-four years until her retirement, instilling the value of diligence and perseverance in her grandchildren. A passionate genealogist, Ella took great pride in preserving her family’s history and legacy for future generations.

Ella is preceded in death by her parents, Arvin and Burler Mitchem; her brothers, Carl Thomas Mitchem, Charlie Mitchem, and Othelis Mitchem; her great-grandson, Parker Thomas; and her devoted husband of fifty-one years, R.D. "Dee" Smith.

She leaves behind a loving family whom will forever cherish her memory, including her three daughters: Dorothy Smith Boles (Rusty), Barbara Smith Thomas (Ricky), and Joyce Smith Alford (Douglas, Sr.). She was a proud grandmother to five grandchildren: Joanie Thomas, Jared Mauldin (Candace), Jay Thomas (Vickie), Janna Mauldin, and Robert Thomas; and a great grandmother to twelve great grandchildren: Jacob Nelson, Jayden Mauldin, Brady Thomas, Grady Henderson, Sawyer Mauldin, Mya Mauldin, Garret Thomas, Riley Thomas, Ethan Thomas, Sophie Mauldin, Zachary Sowell, and Ashton Sowell. She is also survived by her brothers, Jeremiah Mitchem and Wendell Mitchem (Veronica); her special nieces, Sandra Spann and Julia Bish; a very special sister-in-law, Bernice Mitchem; and a large circle of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends whom will miss her dearly.

A time of visitation will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the chapel of Davis-Watkins Funeral Home, located at 1474 State Highway 83 North, DeFuniak Springs, Florida. Funeral services to honor Ella’s life and legacy will be held on Sunday, January 19, 2025, beginning at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel. Committal services will follow at Limestone Cemetery.

Ella’s legacy of love, kindness, and resilience lives on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered.

Arrangements and services are under the direction of Davis-Watkins Funeral Home of DeFuniak Springs.