Thelma "Tanny" Smith, 90 years old of North Judson, Indiana, passed away Tuesday, December 7, 2021 in North Judson, Indiana, surrounded by her loving family

She was born Tuesday, September 8, 1931 in Garrett, Kentucky, Daughter of the late Tom Lawson and the late Ada (Moore) Lawson.

March 24, 1947, Thelma married James "Jay" Smith, he preceded her on May 14, 1984.

Thelma loved to sew  and cook big meals for her family.  Her real passion was singing!  She had gave her heart to Jesus at the young age of 15 and never wavered from her faith.  She grew up always singing in church or anywhere someone would listen.  She was a member of the Denham Freewill Baptist Church.  Age and illness made it hard for her to always go when she wanted to.  But when she had to remain  home she couldn't wait for her son-in-law Marty Shell, to come home and tell her about the service that day.  Besides her singing , her other greatest passion in life was her family, she loved to spend time with her daughter Jamie and son-in-law Marty and her favorite grandchildren Jayden, Brittany and Heather and the great grandchildren Miley and Carly..

She worked for  Austonal in Laporte and Sewing factory in North Judson.

Surviving are Daughter, Jamie(Marty) Shell of North Judson, Indiana, Granddaughter, Heather Smolek of North Judson, Indiana, Granddaughter, Brittany Combs of North Judson, Indiana, Granddaughter, Jayden Minix of Trail Creek, Indiana, Great-Grandchild, Miley Smolek of North Judson, Indiana, Great-Grandchild, Carly Smolek of North Judson, Indiana, Brother, Freeman"Bud"(Ruthie) Lawson of Wayne, Michigan, Sister, Freeda Combs of Westland, Michigan, Sister, Darlene Cheatham of Mayville, Kentucky.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James"Jay" Smith and  parents Tom and Ada Lawson, brother Toby Lawson and sisters Ellen Cheatham and Bonnie Moore.

Friends will be received 4 PM to 8 PM, Friday, December 10, 2021 at the Braman & Bailey Funeral Home, North Judson, Indiana.

Services will be held at Denham Freewill Baptist Church, Saturday, December 11, 2021 at 11 AM with Pastor Mike Noble and Pastor John White officiating.

Interment will follow in the Highland  Cemetery.