Delores Annette Smith

Delores Annette Smith of Kingsport, TN, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on December 5, 2024, following a short illness. Born on November 22, 1942, in Kingsport, TN, Delores lived a life defined by love, kindness, and an unwavering devotion to her family and those around her.

She is survived by her loving daughters, Kim Grissom (Steve), Renee Myers (Jeff), and Jennifer Mullins (Heath); her devoted partner, Truman Tankersley; grandchildren, Allen (Gabriella), Curtis, Stephanie, Josh, Clint (Rachel), and Brandi (Doug); and great-grandchildren, Gage, Scotty, Addie, Bryanna, Myles, Mia, JJ, Dash, Emryn, Ryker Myers, Paxton, Cooper, and Jarvis.

Delores is also survived by her cherished sisters, Betty Carson-Freeman, Martha Tunnel, Vivian Wampler, and Ginger Kersey, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Her extended family includes stepchildren, Jeff Tankersley (Tammy), Mike Tankersley (Michelle), Ella Logan, and Sheryl Williams; step-grandchildren, Halie (Kevin) and Alaina; and step-great-grandchildren, Rhylan, Jianna, and Santana Doss.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Scott and Velvie Vicars, and Walter Lee Vineyard.

Delores worked for many years as a travel agent, combining her career with her love of travel and adventure. Later in life, she found immense joy and purpose as a caregiver for the elderly, creating meaningful connections and brightening the lives of those in her care. Her warmth, compassion, and willingness to help others defined her life. She was always ready to lend a hand, a kind word, or the shirt off her back to anyone in need.

Above all, she treasured her family. Delores was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose unconditional love and unwavering support were the foundation of her life. Her vibrant spirit shone brightest when her loved ones surrounded her. She deeply loved music and dancing, often lighting up the room with her moves, no matter where she was. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were her greatest pride, and raising her family was her most cherished accomplishment.

Delores will be remembered as a selfless and compassionate soul, a light in every room she entered, and a woman who lived in service of love, kindness, and faith. Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those blessed to know her.

Her life will be celebrated on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at 6:00 PM at Pleasant View Baptist Church, located at 2101Stadium Drive, Kingsport, Tennessee. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Upper East Tennessee in her honor.