Obituary of Mabel Rowland Smith

Mabel Rowland Smith passed away peacefully at her home in Harrogate, TN with her devoted husband by her side on Sunday, January 2, 2022 at the age of 84.  She was a loving wife, daughter, sister, aunt and friend.   

Mabel was preceded in death by her parents, Ruby Porter and Edna Caylor Rowland of Tazewell, TN and brothers-in-law David R. Smith of Arthur, TN, James P. Alexander of Speedwell, TN and Roger Lynn Hill of New Tazewell, TN.  She is survived by her husband of 57 years, J.B. Smith, her sisters Lois Rowland Hill and Louise Rowland Rouse, both of Tazewell, her sister-in-law, Alice Smith Alexander of Speedwell, and several nieces and nephews. 

Mabel was a long-time member of Harrogate United Methodist Church and loved to sing in the church choir and the community choir. She was saved at a young age and had faithfully served her Lord and Savior for many years.  Mabel graduated from Claiborne County High School in 1955.  She retired from the University of Tennessee Extension Service after almost 50 years and loved the University of Tennessee Volunteers.  Mabel will be remembered as a woman of integrity, who never saying a bad word about anyone, for her love of music, for loving her family, and for being a devoted friend. 

The family will receive friends Wednesday, January 5, 2022 from 12 PM till 2 PM with funeral services to follow at 2 PM in the Claiborne-Overholt Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. J.D. Estep and Pastor Judy Keller officiating. Burial will take place in the Meador-Harrogate Cemetery. 

Pallbearers:  Brian Alexander, Daniel Lioce, Matthew Lioce, Randall Cowan, Glen Higdon, and J.D. Estep IV.  Honorary Pallbearers: Dennis Chumley, David Rogers, Larry Tom Davis and Dan Peters. 

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Harrogate United Methodist Church P.O. Box 167, Harrogate, TN 37752 or Alzheimer’s Tennessee (Alztennessee.org). 

 Claiborne ~ Overholt Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family