Kaye Smith

Kaye Smith, age 76, passed away Saturday, November 8, 2025 at the North MS Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford, Mississippi.

Funeral service for Kaye will be held at 3:00 PM on Friday, November 14, 2025, with the family receiving friends beginning at 1:30 prior to the service. Florence will be laid to rest at Magnolia Cemetery in Batesville, Mississippi.

Kaye was born on August 30, 1949 in Mississippi to the late Otis Eugene Bates and Lydia Kathyrn Taylor Bates. Throughout her life, Kaye dedicated herself to serving others, most notably through her selflessness and generosity. Her warmth and kindness made her a beloved figure to nearly all who knew her well.

As the matriarch of her family, Ms. Kaye was known for her unwavering support and her ability to nurture those around her. She had a remarkable gift for uplifting others, always putting their needs before her own.

As a woman of strong Baptist faith, Ms. Kaye drew great strength and guidance from her beliefs. Her spirituality enriched her life and the lives of those she touched, serving as a beacon of hope and compassion. Despite decades of failing health and disability MS. Kaye never lost the strength of her faith filled spirit.

Those she leaves behind to cherish her memory include her two children, John Smith and Katie Smith both of Batesville, MS; two brothers, Monty Bates and Les Taylor both of Batesville, MS; four grandchildren, Mitchel Smith of Ozark, MO, John Hester of Batesville, MS, Richard Hester of Batesville, MS, and Red Hester of Batesville, MS.

Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her sister, Patty Tutor.

Florence Kaye Smith leaves behind a legacy of love and selflessness that will be cherished by all who knew her.