Izella Smith

Izella “Izzy” Smith, age 8, of Baxley passed away on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at Appling Healthcare.

Izzy was born November 7, 2015 in Dublin, Georgia. She was in 3rd grade at Appling County Primary School. Izella Smith was a fearless little girl whose spirit touched the lives of everyone she met. She had a special way of getting your attention without saying a word. Although she was non-verbal, she was able to effectively communicate through smiling, laughing, crying, or giving you the “side eye.” Every person who had the honor and privilege of meeting and knowing Izzy felt an instant connection. She had a way of settling into your arms to reach up and gently touch a single hair on your head or gently stroke your face. She looked deep into your eyes with her big, beautiful brown eyes. Izzy had everyone wrapped around her tiny finger. Izzy loved to watch the movies Rio and Secret Life of Pets. She enjoyed being outdoors by the pool, sitting at the ballfield, being pulled in the wagon, riding on the back of a bicycle, and riding side-by-side. Izzy had quite the sense of humor. She would laugh at the most inconvenient and inappropriate times. When a scary movie was playing, Izzy would laugh uncontrollably to the point of snorting. She loved the chaos of peers or other children playing and laughing...the louder the noises, the more she would laugh. When kids around her were fussing or getting in trouble, Izzy would laugh so hard that any anger amongst those fussing or being reprimanded turned into laughter. She had a way of getting the toughest, least likely, students to gather around her wheelchair to hear her contiguous laughter. Even during the toughest times of sickness, Izzy was always able to smile at the people around her. Her presence made everyone happy. Love was, by far, the biggest lesson that Izzy taught all that knew her. Her kindness, passion, and resilience will forever be remembered and cherished by her family, friends, and community. Izzy’s legacy is one of love, laughter, and kindness. She taught us the importance of living life to the fullest and cherishing the moments and people that matter most. Her memory will continue to inspire and guide us as we navigate the challenges and joys of life. Though Izzy is no longer with us, her spirit lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Let us honor her memory by striving to emulate her kindness and joy for life. As we say goodbye, we carry her light forward, knowing that she made the world a better place just by being in it.

Survivors include her parents, Kristen Smith and Corey Griffin and several siblings. Izzy is also survived by her extended family, Patrick & Dr. Tonya Fordham and family, grandparents Pepper McDaniel, Jason Griffin, and Robert & Sylvia Smith.

A celebration of Izzy’s life will be held Saturday, November 9, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Swain Funeral Home with Mr. Roy McClung officiating.

The visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral service.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.