Linda Joyce Watts Smartt

McMinnville, TN resident and Warren County, TN native Linda Joyce Watts Smartt, age 77, was born March 7, 1949, and went to her heavenly home on April 6, 2026, at her residence following an extended illness.

Linda worked as a private caregiver; it was her calling, the natural expression of the compassion of a servant’s heart she carried throughout her life. She loved deeply and gave that love freely to her family, her friends, and the many lives she touched. 

A member of Friendship Baptist Church, she was the daughter of the late Ernest Jr. and Minnie Myers Watts. She was married on August 15, 1965, to the late George Edward Smartt, Jr., with whom she found the truest companion and soulmate for fifty-eight years. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by brothers Joe E. Watts, Donnie R. Watts, and Rex W. Watts; sister Wanda Cook; sisters-in-law Doris Ann Watts and Gail Watts; brother-in-law Jim Ed Lee; and nephews Joseph "Bobo" Watts and Darrell Lee. 

Mrs. Smartt is survived by children Vickie (Larry) Priest and Johnny (Kristy) Smartt, both of McMinnville, TN, and Jeff Smartt of Morrison, TN; grandchildren Kayla Smartt, Shayla Smartt, Jonathan (Mirrandie) Smartt, Casey (Brittany) Smartt, Brittany Holland, Jeff Smartt, Jr., Laken (Cody) Duke, and Tyler Smartt; great-grandchildren Sawyer DeLong, Liam DeLong, Carter Melson, Rylon Smartt, Emberly Smartt, Aubriella Duke, Teigen Hawkins, Makenzley Smartt, and Jayston Smartt; sister and friend Betty Jean Lee of McMinnville, TN; brother Harold Watts of Rock Island, TN; brother in law; Arnold Smartt of McMinnville; sister-in-laws Sandy Kay Watts, Treva Perry and Gail Smith; several nieces, nephews, extended family members, special friends, and her beloved chihuahua, Hank, whom Linda adored. 

Family was Linda’s greatest treasure, and those who knew her will remember her warmth, her humor, and the care she offered so freely. Linda took joy in life’s simple pleasures, tending to her flowers and sitting on the porch listening to gospel music. She had a playful, joyful spirit that brought laughter to those around her. 

Visitation will be held Friday, April 10, from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Interment and graveside services will be held at 3:00 p.m at Mt. Zion Cemetery in Warren County, TN with Steve Breedlove officiating. 

Online condolences may be made at www.highfuneralhome.com. 

High Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.