Evelyn Ricketson Smith, a devoted servant of the Lord, loving mother, granny, great-granny, aunt, and friend, went home to be with her Savior on May 28, 2026. She passed away peacefully with her family gathered around her bedside as her favorite song, "I was born to serve the Lord" played.

Evelyn was born in Baxley, Georgia, to the late Jesse Ricketson and Pauline Smith Ricketson. She graduated from Appling County High School and, after graduation, moved to Richmond Hill, where she lived with her sister and family. Throughout her life, she remained especially close to the children, cherishing the special bond they shared.

In 1970, she married the love of her life, Duane Smith of Savannah.

Evelyn attended Richmond Hill Full Gospel Church, where she was active in ministry for more than 60 years. In her own words, she was "commissioned" to play the piano at the age of 10 and was saved and called by God at the age of 12. She faithfully served as the church pianist until recently when it became physically impossible for her to continue. Even then, she still found joy in playing at home whenever she was able.

Her service to the church extended far beyond music. She faithfully served in many roles throughout her life. She loved beautiful flowers and, alongside others, spent many years helping maintain the church grounds she loved so dearly.

Evelyn also enjoyed a successful career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, retiring from a leadership position in the Budget Department. Her nieces and nephews affectionately nicknamed her "Budget Ev," a title she wore with pride and good humor.

Above all else, Evelyn loved her family. She was a devoted mother, granny, and great-granny whose wisdom, faith, prayers, and encouragement helped shape each of them.

She is survived by her daughter, Becky Davis (Clinton); her son, Ben Smith (Monica); seven grandsons, Daniel Smith (Danielle), Matthew Smith (Brittany), Jordan Davis, Jesse Davis (Alex), Sean Smith, Cooper Smith and Cole Smith; and ten great-grandchildren, Brayden, Jon, and Owen Smith, Payton, Lawton, and Wyatt Smith, Rosalie and Isabella Davis, and Paisleigh and Easton Smith.

She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, and a multitude of dear friends.

Though her family will miss her deeply, they rejoice in knowing that she is now in the presence of the Lord she faithfully served. Her legacy of faith, prayer, service, and love will continue to live on in all who knew and loved her.

The family will receive friends on Monday, June 1, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Richmond Hill Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Richmond Hill Full Gospel Church, with Bro. Jonathan Lee and Bro. Lawrence Butler officiating.

Interment will follow at Lower Black Creek Church Cemetery.

The family would like to thank everyone for their prayers, love, and support during this time with a special thanks to family and friends who have served as caregivers over recent months.