Dean Smith

Zella Dean Wilder Smith was born on November 2, 1932, and passed away at home on September 29, 2022. Mama Dean was born in Harlan County, Kentucky to William and Mosie Miracle Wilder. She moved to Crossville, TN, where she met her husband J. Paul. She and Paul were married 70 years and lived in the Mayland community. They were faithful members of the Mayland church of Christ for 70 years and was a member of the Main Street church of Christ in Crossville for several years. During these 70 years of marriage, she and Paul traveled all over the world. Mama Dean was a much-loved person who passed on just before her 91st birthday. She loved bowling with her many friends on the Wednesday and Thursday Morning Coffee Leagues. She started on the first league at Plateau Lanes. She bowled for over 55 years and carried a 160 average when she became ill and had to give it up at age 84. Numerous times she was the pull through for her team. She was a strong, competent, caring woman who overcame illness to live a full and happy life. Not only was bowling a great hobby of Mama Dean’s, watching any sport was probably her favorite past time. She was such a Kentucky Wildcats fan, I think her blood ran blue instead of red. She could tell you stats about most college and professional football and basketball players right before her death. If she missed watching a Kentucky or Tennessee ballgame, she was definitely sick. Left to cherish her memory are a host of family members and dear friends. Mama Dean was the dearly beloved wife of J. Paul Smith (now deceased) and cherished mother of daughter Paulette (George) Hamilton of Dunlap and sister Lynette Price of Middlesboro, Ky. She was the adored grandmother of Wayne Hall, Jody (Brad) Boynton and Little George (Chelsey) Hamilton. She is also survived by her great grandchildren, Hope Boynton, Josie Boynton, Lexington Goins, Dallas Kate Hamilton, and Rae Ella Hamilton. She was a precious blessing to her family and to all who knew her. Her daughter and grandchildren learned by example how to be the kind of parent and grandparent that God would expect us to be. Mama Dean gave great joy to her family and friends. Our lives will have an empty place without her here but we have such wonderful memories of her as a mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She will be forever missed by them. Gathering of family and friends will be Saturday, October 1, 2022, at Bilbrey Funeral Home from 1:00-3:00 until the Celebration of Life service immediately following. Tucker Vincent will be officiating with great nephews serving as pallbearers. Memorial contributions may be made to Avalon Hospice in Crossville or Mayland Cemetery. A very special thanks to Avalon Hospice and Affordable Assist caregivers.