Ferral Dean Bright Smith

Ferral Dean Bright Smith, known affectionately as Dean, passed away Thursday, December 14, 2023, at age 83, in Macon, Georgia. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 29, 2023, at Beulah Baptist Church, 1713 N Highway 19, Glenwood, Georgia 30428. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service.  Burial will follow the service in the Church Cemetery, and refreshments will be provided afterwards.

Daughter of the late Noah Albert Bright Sr. and Della Mae Ryals Bright, Dean was born on May 3, 1940, in Glenwood, Georgia.   A Glenwood High School graduate of 1958, Dean's professional life was marked by dedication and compassion during her tenure at the Paul Anderson Youth Home. Her gentle demeanor and kind spirit left a lasting impression on all who worked alongside her. Dean's interests and hobbies were as varied as they were heartfelt. She tended her gardens with the same care she gave to her relationships, growing abundant flowers, fruits, and vegetables. Her home was a sanctuary for wildlife, where birds and squirrels were frequent and welcomed visitors.

An avid reader and movie enthusiast, Dean also found joy in listening to music, each song and story enriching her appreciation for the beauty of life. Carrying a boundless love for the world, God, and her Bible, she traveled to new places, including Israel, and delighted in ministering to the needs of others, whether through visiting, baking for shut-ins, or simply lending a caring ear. Dean's love for nature extended to her cherished cows, whom she would fondly feed pears from her yard's pear tree. Her love for orchids, hummingbirds, and all of God's creatures spoke to her nurturing soul.

Dean will be lovingly remembered by her five children by marriage - a testament to her loving heart, as she often referred to them as "the children God always promised me I’d have.”  She leaves behind a legacy through Trennis L. Smith, of Culloden, Georgia, Katrina L. Smith, of Culloden, Georgia, Charlene S. Flanders (Carey) of Warner Robins, Georgia, and Allyson A. Kaiser (Mitch) of Eden Prairie, Minnesota; nine grandchildren: Melissa, Lance, David, Amanda, Veronica, Tiffany, Maxwell, Jakob, and  Andrew; fourteen great grandchildren; brother, Wade Bright (Dora) of Gainesville, Georgia; sister-in-law, Dot Bright of Savannah, Georgia; nieces and nephews: Paul (Emma), Russell (Karen), Cindy (Larry), Janet, Shannon (Alan), Kevin (Sandy),  LeAnne, Samuel, and Tony (Paige); fifteen great nieces and nephews and fifteen great-great nieces and nephews; and several cousins.

In addition to her parents, Dean was preceded in death by her husbands, Jimmie H. Evans, Robert E. Stanfield, and Burien W. Smith; her daughter, Felecia S. Holland; and her brothers, Noah Albert “Junior” Bright Jr. (Mary Ellen), Raymond Bright (Betty), and Henry Bright.

Memorial contributions may be made to Paul Anderson Youth Home, 1603 McIntosh Street, Vidalia, Georgia 30474.

Please visit www.hartsmort.com to express condolences.

Hart’s at the Cupola, Hart's Mortuary and Cremation Center, 6324 Peake Rd, Macon, GA 31210 has charge of the arrangements.