Mable Louise Chappell Smith was born May 6, 1934, to the late James Chappell Sr., and Bernice Robinson Chappell in Wedowee, Alabama.  She was one of eight children.

Mable was a member of Zion Rest Baptist Church of Wedowee, Alabama, most of her childhood.  Upon marriage, she followed her husband to Antioch Baptist Church, Wedowee, Alabama, where she was a faithful servant until her health started failing.

Mable united in holy matrimony to the love of her life, Professor Rufus G. Smith.  They were married until he transitioned from this life on December 19, 1987.  To this union three children were born: Patricia Ann, Valerie Jean, and Stephanie LaTisa.

Mable was an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star, and the Friendship Western Union District Association.  She received the Trailblazer Award for her unwavering dedication to the FWU District Women’s Auxiliary.

She worked as a nutrition van driver for the Town of Wedowee for 14 years.  She served as a city council member for the Town of Wedowee for eight years.  She loved her family and most importantly, she loved the Lord.

Mable leaves to cherish her memories her three daughters, Patricia Ballinger (Charles) of Clinton, Tennessee, Valerie Daniel of Anniston, Alabama, and Stephanie Keith of Heflin, Alabama; grandchildren, Angela Long of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, Krystal Daniel of Anniston, Alabama, and Michael Daniel, Jr., (Kimberly) of Wedowee, Alabama; nine great-grandchildren; and sisters, Barbara Ann Summerville and Shirley Izora Sims, both of Wedowee, Alabama, and Katie Ruth Hendricks of Roanoke, Alabama.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Bernice; her beloved husband, Rufus; her sisters, Grace Marie Joiner of Los Angeles, California, Curtis Mae Green of Wedowee, Alabama; her brother, James Chappell, Jr., of Wedowee, Alabama; and an infant sister, Jimmy Lee Chappell.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 10, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Antioch Baptist Church with Pastor W. Steinway Cash officiating.  Burial will follow in the adjoining cemetery with Benefield Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.  Mrs. Smith will lie in state at the church for one hour prior to services beginning on Friday.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.benefieldfhwedowee.com.