Donna Kaye Gibson Smith

Donna Kaye Gibson Smith, 66, of Cairo, Georgia, peacefully entered the presence of her Lord and Savior on August 7, 2026 at her home, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on March 18, 1960, in Thomasville, Georgia, Kaye was the beloved daughter of the late Edwin and Sue Gibson. She was raised in Cairo, where she graduated from Cairo High School and built a life rooted in faith, family, and service to others. 

Kaye dedicated her career to caring for those in need as a Respiratory Therapist. She approached every patient with compassion, kindness, and a gentle spirit, touching countless lives through her work. Caring for others wasn't simply her profession—it was who she was. 

Above all else, Kaye was a devoted Christian and faithful follower of Jesus Christ. Her unwavering faith guided every aspect of her life and provided strength through both life's joys and its greatest challenges. She found immense joy in studying God's Word and lived as an example of Christ's love through her kindness, generosity, and steadfast trust in Him. 

Nothing brought Kaye greater happiness than her family, beginning with the love she shared with her husband, Buddy Smith. Their story began in 1976 when they met and started dating, laying the foundation for a lifetime of love, faith, and devotion. They were married on September 24, 1978, and spent nearly 48 wonderful years building a life together. 

She was a devoted mother to her son, Brad Smith. She also carried in her heart her daughter, Halee, who was welcomed into Heaven at birth. Kaye absolutely adored her granddaughter, Bailey Smith, who brought immeasurable joy to her life. The love she had for her family was evident in everything she did, and her greatest pride was the family God entrusted to her. 

Kaye also found joy in crocheting, creating handmade gifts that reflected the love she poured into everything she touched. Whether sharing time with family, studying Scripture, or serving others, she lived each day with a grateful heart and a joyful spirit.

She is survived by her loving husband, Buddy Smith; her son, Brad Smith (Allison) of Houston, Texas; her cherished granddaughter, Bailey Smith; her brothers, Eddie Gibson (Teri) of Forsyth, Georgia, and Bryan Gibson (Cindy) of Thomasville, Georgia; her brothers-in-law, Randy Smith of Manchester, New Hampshire, and Craig Smith (Nancy) of Cairo, Georgia; her sister-in-law, Kathy Mills (Robbie) of Cairo, Georgia; a host of nieces and nephews; along with extended family and many dear friends who were blessed by her love and friendship. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin and Sue Gibson; her daughter, Halee, who was welcomed into Heaven at birth; and her parents-in-law, Leroy and Lawanna Smith.

Kaye will be remembered as caring, compassionate, loving, faithful, and always quick to share a smile. Her quiet strength, unwavering faith, and selfless love for her family leave a legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew her. She showed those around her what it meant to trust God through every season of life and to love others with the heart of Christ.

Visitation will be held on Monday - August 10, 2026 at Whiddon Shiver Funeral Home from 10:00 am - 11:00 am. A funeral service celebrating Kaye's life will be held after the visitation at 11:00 am on Monday with Pastor Chris Allen officiating, followed by burial at Laurel Hill Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to the Scleroderma Foundation in Kaye's honor. Your gift will help advance research, provide support to those living with scleroderma, and bring hope to families affected by this disease.

Memorial donations may be made online through the Scleroderma Foundation Donation Page.

Though Kaye will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, her family finds great comfort in the promise of eternal life and in knowing she is now in the presence of her Savior.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." — 2 Timothy 4:7–8