Rachel Estelle "Smith" Williams

Rachel Estelle (Smith) Williams of Gulfport, MS passed away on Thursday, June 9, 2011, at the age of 70.
Rachel was born in Booneville, MS and lived in California and Texas before moving to Gulfport in 1981 with her family. Rachel shared a special relationship with her family, many of whom have been by her side providing her love and comfort throughout her illness. Rachel loved gardening, cooking, people, and animals. She will be remembered by her inspiring laugh and her gentle spirit, especially by those who call her Nana and Aunt Rachel.
Rachel was preceded in death by her parents, Taffa Lee Bond-Smith and Elijah Daniel Smith as well as her brothers, Wendell ""Pete"" Smith, Ralph Smith, and Charles Smith; her sister, Lima Eveline Smith, her granddaughter, Melissa ""Kiki"" Sullivan and her stepmother, Neda Smith.
She will be dearly missed by her children, Taffa Allen, Alison F. Allen, Guy D. Allen, III, and Melissa Zitterkopf and her husband John; her sisters, Nellie ""Na Na"" Crosby, Martha ""Sissy"" Shaffer, Brenda Kay, and Norma Jean Smith; her brothers, Daniel Smith and David Smith;
Her grandchildren, James ""Bubba"" Miles IV, Beau Millhollon and wife Vanessa, Dakota McHenry, Cole Millhollon, and two great-grandchildren, Mia Miles and Taylor Saulters as well as several nieces, and her friend, Vanessa Turner, shared a special place in Nana's heart. Her unwavering love and affection, humor, good food made her open arms and home a haven to many.
The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers for providing her with constant care and compassion.
The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Humane Society of South Mississippi.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Monday, June 13, 2011, at 3:00pm at the Riemann Family Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Road in Gulfport, where friends may visit from 1:30pm until service time. Interment will follow at Finley Cemetery.
For more information, please call (228)539-9800.