The Life Story of Classie Mae Smith Williams 
1952-2026
“Let me hold something.”

For those who knew and loved Classie Mae Smith Williams, those words were more than a familiar saying—they were a part of the joy, humor, and personality that made her so wonderfully unforgettable.

Classie Mae was born on September 23, 1952, to the late Abraham Jake Smith and Pennie Lee Thompson Dickey. From the very beginning, Classie was a gift to her family and, throughout her life, she became a source of laughter, love, and light to all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Classie was a true people person. She had a way of making others feel welcomed and comfortable, and her naturally happy spirit could brighten even an ordinary day. She loved to dance, loved to walk, and enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. She could often be found enjoying her favorite westerns, and, of course, her beloved snuff was never far away. These little things became part of the Classie that her family and friends will forever remember.

A proud product of Tallahassee, Classie attended Leon County Public Schools and graduated from Leon High School. She later worked at Morrison’s Cafeteria in the Tallahassee Mall, where her warm personality and ability to connect with people were surely a part of the impression she left on those around her.

Above all, Classie was a woman of faith. She was a Christian and worshiped at Evangel Assembly of God in Tallahassee, under the leadership of Pastor Teryl Todd. Her faith was a meaningful part of who she was, and now, after her earthly journey, she has entered the eternal rest promised to those who trust in the Lord.

On September 24, 2026, just one day after celebrating her 74th birthday, Classie Mae Smith Williams quietly answered the call from earth to eternity. Though her departure leaves an empty place in the hearts of those who loved her, her life leaves behind a beautiful collection of memories—memories filled with laughter, dancing, conversation, faith, family, and those unmistakable moments when Classie would simply say, “Let me hold something.”

Classie’s cherished memories will forever remain with her beloved daughter, Christina Smith; Christina’s father, John H. Williams; her brothers, Roscoe (Valerie) Dickey, Sr., Amos (Carrie) Dickey, Sr., Franklin Dickey, Sr., Leroy (Maxine) Dickey, and Joseph (Vanessa) Smith; her sisters, Rebecca Ardley, Pennie Hawkins, Cornelius (Donald) Deboles, Mary Gilliam, Eliza Vaughn, and Sallie Smith; sisters-in-law, Ruby Dickey and Gwendolyn Dickey; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and sorrowing friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Eddie Lee Dickey, Thelma Jerger, Gertrude Hardley, James Dickey, Willie Dickey, Ulyssses Dickey, Sr., Arthur Dickey, II, Sylvester Dickey, and William Smith.

Classie’s journey on earth may have come to an end, but the love she gave, the laughter she shared, and the memories she created will never fade. She leaves behind more than a family—she leaves behind a legacy of joy.

And perhaps, somewhere beyond these earthly shores, Classie is dancing again, smiling that familiar smile, enjoying the goodness of the Lord, and reminding Heaven in her own special way:

“Let me hold something.”

Until we meet again, Classie—rest well, dance on, and know that you were deeply loved.