Vicki Poole Smith

Taylor Funeral Home of Louisville announces the death and funeral services of Mrs. Vicki Poole Smith, 82, of Louisville, Georgia, who passed away peacefully with family by her side on Sunday morning April 12, 2026.

The funeral service will be held 11:00 am Wednesday, April 15, 2026, in the Louisville Methodist Church with Rev. Dan Underwood officiating. A graveside service will follow in the Jefferson Memorial Gardens.

Born on July 2, 1943, in Macon, Georgia, Vicki lived in Wadley until moving to Louisville in the third grade, where she formed lifelong friendships and met Eugene J. Smith III (Bubber), her beloved husband. Gene fondly recalls the day Vicki walked into the classroom and how he chased her heart from that day forward. They dated through high school and college and were married on June 12, 1965, celebrating over 60 years together.

Vicki was passionate about people and learning. A dedicated scholar, she graduated salutatorian from high school and earned her undergraduate degree in Education from Georgia Southern in 1965. She later obtained master’s degrees in Guidance Counseling and Mathematics. For 29 years, Vicki devoted herself to the Jefferson County School System as a Guidance Counselor and high school Math/Computer Science teacher. She gave her heart to her students, mentoring and advocating for all who crossed her path.

Her greatest love was the Louisville Methodist Church. After marrying Gene, she joined the church and dedicated herself to serving the Lord through the church’s music program. Vicki joyfully played piano for Sunday night services and sang in the choir alongside dear friends, finding deep fulfillment in this ministry as well as through her Sunday School class and Bible Study group.

Later in life, Vicki pursued her passion for art as a member of the Louisville Art Guild. She enjoyed creating oil paintings, many of which are displayed in her home. The camaraderie of bringing art to life with friends made this hobby especially meaningful. Faith was at the center of Vicki’s life, and family was equally important. She was very close to her parents and in-laws in Louisville and was blessed with two daughters, Kelli and Karol, who grew up in Louisville and have since moved away. The girls were always encouraged to call home regularly, keeping their bond strong. Nothing brought Vicki more happiness than her grandchildren. As a proud “Grammie,” she delighted in spoiling them and making each feel uniquely loved and cherished.

Vicki is preceded in death by her loving parents, Robert Roy Poole and Frances Hall Poole, and her in-laws, Eugene Jones Smith, Jr. and Mildred Samples Smith. She is survived by her daughters Kelli (Jeff) Frachiseur and Karol (Allen) Blankenship; grandchildren Ansley Frachiseur, Adam Frachiseur, and Smith Blankenship; brothers Robert (Rhetta) Poole and Rodney (Jan) Poole; and two cherished friends who were always by her side, Eddie Williams and Gail Boyd.

Appropriately, Vicki left this scripture on the kitchen table as a reminder for us all: 1 Corinthians 16:14 — Do everything in Love.

Memorial donations may be made to the Louisville Methodist Church building fund, 301 W 7th Street, Louisville, Georgia 30434.

Visitation services will be held at Taylor Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 14 from 6:00–8:00 pm in Louisville, Georgia, and you may sign the family's guest book at www.taylorfhlouisville.com.

Taylor Funeral Home and Cremation Care of Louisville is in charge of arrangements.