Rhonda Gail Jackson Smith, 55
June 16, 1970 – June 11, 2026
Rhonda Gail Bryant Jackson Smith, 55, of Ripley, Mississippi, passed away at her home on June 11, 2026.
Born on June 16, 1970, in Ripley, Mississippi, to Lester and Tommye Bryant, Rhonda grew up in Blue Mountain and graduated from Blue Mountain High School. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in education from Blue Mountain College and later a master’s degree in education from the University of Mississippi.
On August 5, 1988, she married Chris Jackson, and together they shared 30 years of marriage before his passing in January 2019. Rhonda was known for her outgoing personality, fierce devotion to her family, and unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. In 2023, Rhonda was blessed to find companionship and love with Chris Smith, whom she married on November 1, 2025.
Rhonda dedicated her career to education, teaching at several schools including Middleton Elementary School (TN), Hickory Flat Attendance Center, and Ripley Elementary School. After leaving the school system, she joined Northeast Mississippi Community College in Ripley as a test proctor. She also pursued a master’s degree in counseling through Freed-Hardeman University.
Rhonda loved cooking, traveling, thrifting, and spending time floating in the pool. She adored her beloved dogs, Rebel and Roxie, who were constant companions and treasured members of her family. She was a faithful member of Dumas Baptist Church. Above all, she cherished time with her family, especially her grandchildren, Dani, Mason, and Lexi.
She is survived by her husband, Chris Smith of Dumas; her brother, Dalton Bryant (Wanda) of Ripley; her sister, Connie Butler (Tim) of Chattanooga, Tennessee; her daughters, Kayla Herron (Daniel) of Ripley and Abby Hickman (John) of Byhalia; her son, Kevin Jackson of Ripley; her grandchildren, Dani and Lexi Herron and Mason Hickman; and a host of beloved nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Lester and Tommye Bryant; her husband, Chris Jackson; her brothers, Ray Bryant, Rickey Bryant, and Bobby Bryant; and her sisters, Martha Warren and Shirley Greer.
Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation on Saturday, June 13 from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm at Unity Baptist Church with a celebration of life service to follow at 5:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Gideons International.
The family would like to thank everyone for the many calls, texts, cards, meals, and prayers during this difficult time. A special thank you is extended to the Gentiva Hospice team for their compassionate care, loving support, and dedication throughout Rhonda’s journey. Their kindness brought comfort to both Rhonda and her family and will never be forgotten.
Ripley Funeral Home invites you to share memories with the Smith family.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
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Visitation
Saturday
June 13, 2026
2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Unity Baptist Church
220 CR 457
Ripley, MS 38663
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Funeral Service
Saturday
June 13, 2026
5:00 PM
Unity Baptist Church
220 CR 457
Ripley, MS 38663
