Willa Dean Pruitt Smith was born in Macon County, TN, on November 30, 1941 to Della Valeer Cook Pruitt Bowlin and the late Roy Carl Pruitt. Besides Willa Dean’s father, one grandson, Nathan Smith also preceded her in death. She was previously married and has one daughter Juanita. Willa Dean was employed as an assembly line worker by Carters Automotive in Lafayette until it closed. She did a lot of gardening in the summertime, quilting and sewing in the winter months. Willa Dean loved cooking for her family and playing with her grandchildren. She also enjoyed spending time oil painting. Willa Dean was a caring and loving person with an infectious smile. On November 12, 2012, Willa Dean saw the most beautiful canvas painting of all, Heaven.  She will be greatly missed by family and friends, but our loss is Heaven’s Gain.        
Funeral services for Willie Dean were conducted Wednesday at 1 pm from the Chapel of Alexander Funeral Home with Elder Glen Brawner officiating.  Barry Ray, Willie Ray, Adam Ray, Michael Clark, Cody Clark, Novis Lancaster, Jerry Wooten, and Timmy Hagan served as Pallbearers.  Interment followed in the Macon County Memorial Gardens. Willa Dean is survived by; Daughter, Juanita (Tony) Hale, Grandson, T.J. Hale, Mother, Della (Will) Bowlin, Granddaughter at Heart, Tisha Sadler, Caregivers, Billy Meador and Penny Clark, Former Husband, Earl (Joyce) Smith, Special Friend, Mary Ann Hale, Brother-in-law, Jackie (Lillie) Smith, Sisters-in-law, Judy (Willie) Ray, Joyce Thompson all of Lafayette, TN, several Nieces and Nephews, also survive.