Donna Francis Greene Smith, 56, passed away Friday, Feb. 28, 2014. Known and loved by many, she is especially remembered by her nieces and nephews as the aunt who always had time to play, talk and have fun with them. Her love for children and her love of animals were apparent throughout her life.She taught special education for 12 years in Etowah County Schools at Duck Springs Elementary and later at Southside Elementary, where she was recognized two consecutive years as Teacher of the Year. She moved to Shelbyville, Tenn., and continued to teach special education, touching many lives there also. She married Jerry Boyd Smith of Shelbyville, where they enjoyed six years together before he preceded her in death. After returning home to Southside, Ala., she spent the rest of her career caring for special needs children in a home setting. She grew up attending Southside Baptist Church, where she taught children's Sunday School and cheerfully accepted any tasks asked of her in service to her church and community.She was preceded in death by her parents, D.H. Greene and Elizabeth Ann Greene; and her husband, Jerry Boyd Smith.She is survived by her sister, Sherry Dutton; brother, Gary (Martha) Greene; sister, Jennifer (Brook) Finlayson; friend and companion, Richard "Butch" Coker; and many nieces and nephews.A memorial service in her honor will be held Friday, March 7, 2014, at 2 p.m. at Southside United Methodist Church. It will be officiated by longtime family friend Bill Drummons of Southside Baptist Church.Collier-Butler Funeral and Cremation Services is announcing.