Edna Mae Smith

Edna Mae Smith, age 95, of Cedar Bluff, Virginia, passed away Monday, May 25, 2026, at her home. Edna was born on April 18, 1931, in Cumberland, Kentucky, and was the daughter of the late Joshua Gilliam and Gladys Kitts Gilliam. She was a lifelong resident of the area and was the owner and operator of Edna’s Beauty Shop. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Dempsey Smith, her daughters, Brenda Killen and Sherree Davis; her first husband, Walter Maze Short; and her sister, Billie Jo Gilliam. Sister Edna was a woman who spent her life devoted to two things: She always put God first and her family was her life. The walls of her home often echoed with the voices of four generations of her children; there never needed to be an occasion for Edna to accept company over to dine, tell stories, and speak of the works of the Lord. As a member of New Hope Assembly in Cedar Bluff, she spent years in service to the ministry, providing for members of the church and of the community. Her unwavering devotion to her friends, family and God was the foundation of an anointed life beloved by many. Edna was the cornerstone of her family and will be greatly missed. She is survived by: Her Daughter: Tina Robinson and her husband, Jeff of North Tazewell, Virginia Sons: Tom Short and his wife, Carolyn of Jewell Ridge, Virginia Rick Short and his wife, Michelle of Jewell Ridge, Virginia Son-in-Law: Frank Killen of Richlands, Virginia Sisters: Ruby Jean Smith of Doran, Virginia Sue Smith and her husband, Bill of Jewell Ridge, Virginia Brother: Skip Gilliam (Margaret) of Hillard, FL Also surviving are eleven grandchildren, twenty-two great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren, along with a host of family and friends. Funeral services for Edna Mae Smith will be conducted at 7:00 pm on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at New Hope Assembly; 137 Gospel St; Cedar Bluff, VA 24609 with Rev. David Lee Horton, Rev. Bill Smith, and Sister Helen Throgmartin officiating. Interment will be on Friday at 11:00 am at Greenhills Memory Gardens at Claypool Hill, Virginia. Those attending the committal service are asked to line up at New Hope Assembly at 10:30 am to go to the cemetery. Pallbearers will be Nick Killen, Thomas Short, T.J. Short, Corey Tuggle, Colten Hess, Lucas Sayers, Brandon Robinson, and Jordan Robinson. The Smith family will receive friends from 5-7 pm at the church. Hurst-Scott Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, and those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com.

Edna Mae Smith

April 18, 1931 - May 25, 2026