Rosie Faye Smith, a radiant beacon of God’s love, departed this earthly life on April 23, 2025, at the age of ninety-five. A cherished matriarch, devoted disciple of Christ, and lifelong nurturer of souls, Rosie’s legacy is etched in the lives of her family, her faith, and the countless hearts she uplifted.
Born in the quiet beauty of Tuskahoma, Oklahoma, to Elmer Andy Webb and Josie Ann (Kirkes) Webb, Rosie’s spirited determination blossomed early. As a student at Buffalo Valley, she traded lunchtimes for basketball games, her laughter echoing across the court—a testament to her joyful, tenacious spirit. That same vigor carried her through life, inspiring all who knew her.
In 1946, Rosie vowed lifelong love to Shelton Kirby, her steadfast partner for 45 years until his passing in 1991. Together, they built a home anchored in faith and family. Later, God’s grace brought love anew when she married Thurmon Smith, reminding her that His mercies are ever-renewing.
Rosie’s hands were seldom still, whether stitching garments at Seamprufe and Komars. A faithful servant, she worshipped fervently at McAlester First Assembly of God and later Red River Cowboy Church, where her voice joined hymns of praise and her heart found fellowship.
Yet her greatest ministry was her family. Rosie poured her soul into her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, nurturing them with wisdom, patience, and unwavering love. She cheered at ballgames, applauded school plays, and reveled in dominoes and card games, turning simple moments into lifelong memories. Her kitchen table, often graced with coffee and dear friends, was a sanctuary of laughter, counsel, and shared prayers.
An ardent OU Sooners fan, Rosie’s spirited “Boomer Sooner!” echoed through stadiums well into her 80s—a vibrant reflection of her youthful zeal. But above all, she cherished gathering her family under God’s banner, teaching them to walk in faith, kindness, and resilience.
Rosie’s legacy lives on in the generations she raised, the lives she touched, and the seeds of love she planted. Though she joins Shelton, Thurman, and loved ones in glory, her light remains here in the stories shared, the values instilled, and the quiet moments when her loved ones feel her gentle embrace. “Her children arise and call her blessed.” Proverbs 31:28
She is preceded in death by her parents; First husband and father of her children whom she will be laid to rest next to, Shelton Kirby; Second husband, Thurmon Smith; Daughter, Betty Copeland; Brothers, Clarance “Bus” Kemp, and Albert Webb; Sisters, Vada Hill, Gladys Jackson and Florence Webb.
Left to honor her loving memory are her daughters, Louise Kahrs and husband Greg of Muskogee, Oklahoma, Wanda Roberts of Sapulpa, Oklahoma. Sharon Kirby, of McAlster, Oklahoma, and Dana Thompson and husband Rocky of Mangum, Oklahoma; Sisters, Louella Casey and husband Bill of McAlester, Oklahoma and Mary Teague and husband Kenny of McAlester, Oklahoma; Grandchildren, Sandy Kennedy of McAlester, Oklahoma, Eddie Prater and wife Katherine of Muskogee, Oklahoma, Melissa Plummer and Jeremy of Cleveland, Oklahoma, John Golden and wife Kristen of Yreka, California, Steven McMahan and wife Ashton of Mangum, Oklahoma, Rosetta Grayson of McAlester, Oklahoma, Jeremy McMahan and wife Holly of Stewart, Oklahoma, and Shawn McMahan and wife Jennifer of McAlester, Oklahoma; Twenty Great Grandchildren; and fourteen great great grandchildren.
On behalf of the family, a special thank you to all friends and staff of Mangum Skilled Nursing and Therapy for the kindness and loving care so graciously given to our mother over the last seven years, you have all become family to her.
To send flowers in memory of Rosie Faye Smith, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Visitation
28
Apr
235 South Pennsylvania
Mangum, OK 73554
Funeral
29
Apr
1800 Hardy Springs Rd.
McAlester, OK 74501
Interment
29
Apr
Pittsburg County
McAlester, OK 74501
