The season of life for Johnnie Maye Paige Smith began in Calhoun County, Georgia on June 8, 1939.  She was the beloved daughter of the late Ben and Ethel Paige.

She was educated in the Calhoun County School System, including H. T. Singleton High School.  Throughout her school years, she was an inquisitive student with a zeal for learning and a ray of sunshine to peers, teachers, and close friends. Upon graduation, she relocated to Miami, Florida where she resided for numerous years before returning to Albany.

At an early age, Johnnie Maye accepted Christ as her personal Savior, was baptized, and received the "right hand of fellowship: into the body of Christ at Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Leary, Georgia.  She was a dedicated member and availed herself in service as an Usher.  In later years, she united with the St. Olive Missionary Baptist Church of Albany under the leadership of the late Reverend Clarence Solomon.  She dearly loved the Lord and was unfaltering in her devotion and service under the guidance of Pastor Ivey Hines.  Johnnie Maye was a prayerful, humble lady who didn't mind telling everyone about the goodness of God.  Her encouraging words and the examples that she set served as blessing for many people.

Johnnie Maye was a selfless, altruistic mother who ate not the bread of idleness and always sacrificed her needs for the good of her family.  She was a loyal, dedicated employee of MacGregor Golf Company and retired in 1994 after rendering more than 30 years of matchless service.   Johnnie Maye had a quiet strength, never complained, and always looked forward to a better future.  After the demise of her only child, she relocated to Anaheim, California where she resided with her nephew, Gery Paige, for 14 years.

A joy to be around, Johnnie Maye was a very genuine, kind-hearted, simplistic individual who loved her family dearly and embraced life's experiences with open arms.  She never met a stranger, could converse with anyone who came into her life, and felt most content when helping others.  Her unwavering spirit, generosity, and unconditional love will forever be remembered.

On Saturday, December 25, 2021, Almighty God called his faithful servant home to eternal rest and peace. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Sherry Cuff; and three siblings, Fannie Paige, Annie Vera Paige, and Bennie Paige.

Loving memories will forever be cherished by her devoted nephew and caregiver, Gery Paige of Anaheim, CA; nephews and nieces, Larry (Carolyn) Latson, Bennie Paige, Tyron (Sha'ron) Paige, Dorothy Paige, and Marsha Bowen; great nieces and nephews, Ontario (LaTrina) Paige, Dionicio Paige, Mauricio Paige, Horacio Paige, Artavius (Jessica) Nealy, Keon Nealy, Rodney (Katrina) Paige, Contessa Paige, Ericka Grant, Tasheena (Francois) Kinney, Nicholas Paige, Kendra Frost, Lenora (Theo) Williams, Camerius Mill, Antonio Stewart, LaShon Rivers, Stacey (Tony) Lane, A'Brianna (Brandon) Willis, and Jh'Keric Pollard; great-great nieces and nephews, Kyrie Hutchinson, Chad Paige, Xavier Paige,  Jayla Grant, Jaylen Grant, Ja'Miya Grant, Ja'Kiya Grant, Octavis Hunt, Kennedi Knowles, Dakota Willis, McKenna Willis, Donovan Willis, Cedricka Ingram,  Cedric Ingram, Jaylen Young, Logan Fowler, Angelia Lane, Shaniya Lane, China Mills, Camerius Mills, Patricia Leal, Niko Duran, Nela Duran, Socorro Scala, Matthew Scala, Makaeo Scala, Luis Estrada, and Elsa Martinez; a very special cousin, David Mitchell; stepchildren, Tammy Smith and Ricardo Smith; a special friend, Salisa Harris; and a loving goddaughter, Dr. Bisa Lewis.