Illa Ree Smith

Illa Ree (Basham) Smith, born on April 25,1938, in Monroe County, went to her heavenly home on February 9, 2025, at N.M.M.C.-Tupelo in Mississippi. Illa Ree's life was a testament to her unwavering faith and dedicated service to her family and community. 

Illa Ree accepted Jesus as her personal savior at an early age and was a faithful member of Central Grove Baptist Church for 74 years where she sang alto in the choir for many years. Singing praises to God was just one way she was a good example to her children and those that came in contact with her. She loved her church family. She read her bible daily and her favorite verse was Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” 

Anyone that came in contact with Illa Ree would always leave with a smile on their face. 

Illa Ree graduated from Wren High School in 1956, having attended schools in Becker, Hatley, and Wren. Soon after graduating high school, Illa Ree married the love her life, Curtis. Illa Ree and Curtis shared 53 years of marriage together while raising four children: Vickie, B.J., Buddy, and Robert. Illa Ree took pride in raising her family in a Christian home, instilling values that would guide them throughout their lives. Her children rise up and call her blessed- Proverbs 31:28 

 Illa Ree worked in the garment factory and drove a school bus when she wasn’t raising her children, gardening and working on the family farm. Illa Ree would also sew many of the dresses that she and her daughters would wear and that skill was one of the many things she passed down to her daughters. Everything she did was to provide for her family and to be a Godly example to them and others. In her later years, she could often be found enjoying the beauty of God's creation from her swing, while reading a book or working a crossword puzzle, and don’t get in her way on a Thursday because that was hair day. She was a strong, compassionate, and humble lady, without a doubt. 

 Illa Ree's legacy endures through her loving family and the many friendships made throughout her life, some of the most recent are those at Oak Tree Assisted Living, where she was surrounded by companions who appreciated her warm spirit. She is survived by her daughter, Vickie Langford (Dale); son, Robert Smith (Tracy); daughter-in-law, Susan Smith; and son-in-law, Ronnie Gadd. Her grandchildren, including Kelly Langford Matthews (Jim), Taylor Langford (Molly), Hannah Gadd Ardrey (Thomas), Harley Gadd (Paige), Adam Keyes, Ashton Martin, Addie Keyes, Jacob Dykes, and Josh Dykes as well as 17 great-grandchildren who brought her great joy. Illa Ree is also remembered fondly by her sisters, Joyce King, Linda Gay Hall, and Sarah Simmons, as well as sister-in-law, Opal Smith, along with numerous nieces and nephews. 

Illa Ree was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Curtis Smith; her children, Buddy Smith and B.J. Gadd; her parents, Lorean and Robert Winston Basham, and her sisters and brothers, Faye Logan Conner, Ann Patterson McCauley, Horace Basham, Lee Basham, Marvin Basham, and Hubert Basham, as well as her grandson, Jarrett Dykes. 

Friends and family will gather for visitation on February 13, 2025, at Central Grove Baptist Church in Wren, Mississippi, beginning at 11:00 a.m., leading into a Celebration of Life at 1:00 p.m. with Bro. Zack Carter and Bro. Dennis Smithey officiating. Pall bearers will be Andy Smith, Kaden Smith, Dennis Herndon, Ray Burks, Phil Burks, and Kirk Sawyer. 

Donations may be made to Central Grove Baptist Church, 30298 Central Grove Rd, Aberdeen, MS 39730. 

Memories and Condolences may be shared with her family at EEPickleFuneralHome.com.