Bertha Mae (Avery) Smith was born November 2,1932, in Okahumpka, Florida, and passed away peacefully August 21, 2022, in Panama City, Florida.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jillie Avery and Fannie May Davis; husband John I. Smith; son Douglas Avery Smith; and brother Herman Lambert.

She is survived by her children: Johnny M. (Micky) Smith (Wynette), Thomas (Tommy) Smith (Anita), Patsy (Pat) Smith (Glenn Rice), and Serena Hall (Benjamin). She is also survived by granddaughter Amy Dodge (Jim) and great grandson Dax Dodge.

Bertha grew up in the Dothan, Alabama, area (Rehobeth) and married John in 1948. They moved to Leesburg, Florida, and then in 1955 to Panama City, where they raised their five children. John and Bertha joined Mount Pleasant Primitive Baptist Church in Dothan, Alabama, in1952 and remained faithful members until their deaths.

John and Bertha operated the Tyndall Air Force Base automotive garage in the early to late 1960s and opened and operated Smith's Auto Parts, Inc., from 1969 until 2001. They enjoyed bowling, square dancing, fishing, gardening, family activities, and being with their many special friends. They loved having everyone over for large fish fries and hosting extended family events!

Believing in community service, Bertha and John joined the Lion's Club in 1992 and served the organization in many capacities. Bertha served as Governor for Lions District 35F (the first Lady Governor) and President of the North Florida Lions Eye Bank. She was also a member of the Pilot Club, the Bay Line Ladies Auxiliary, and many other local organizations, and served as an officer of the Hiland Park Little League.

Bertha's family extends special thanks to the entire staff of the PruittHealth Panama City facility for their loving and excellent care, to Rhonda Brannon, ARNP, who served as Bertha's primary care physician for many years, and to Dr. Roger Spencer, who treated Bertha for back and shoulder pain. When she was still able, she loved to bake and take pound cakes to these special health care providers and friends.

Pall bearers will include Tom Bailey, Don Stinson, Jimmy Johnson, Buddy Bryan, M.L. Richardson, and Roger Allen.

Expressions of sympathy may be submitted or viewed at www.WilsonFuneralHome.net .

Visitation will be held Friday, August 26, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Wilson Funeral Home on Airport Road in Panama City.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 27, starting with singing at 10:30 a.m. and services at 11 a.m. at Mount Pleasant Primitive Baptist Church, 2901 E. Cottonwood Road, Dothan, Alabama. The church is 2 miles south of Ross Clark Highway (the circle). Elder Johnny M. (Micky) Smith will officiate the service. Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to the Panama City Lions Club in memory of Bertha M. Smith.