Isabelle Smith Gatlin

Isabelle Smith Gatlin, 97, left this life to be with her beloved husband of 73 years, E. Ross Gatlin, Jr., on January 19, 2024, at Magnolia Manor in Americus, Georgia, where she and Ross had resided for 11 years. A native of Albany, GA, Isabelle was born on October 16, 1926 to Charles H. Smith, Jr. and Cecelia Allen Smith. She was raised and educated in the Albany schools, graduating from Albany High School in 1943, and from Georgia State College for Women in Milledgeville. She met her future husband, Ross Gatlin, at Turner Air Field in 1944. He and Isabelle were married prior to his departure for the Pacific Theater in World War II. Upon Ross’ return from WWII, she (and Ross) graduated from the University of Georgia in 1949 with a degree in Home Economics. Isabelle and Ross briefly lived in Jackson, MS, until moving back to Albany, where Ross worked in the family real estate business with Isabelle’s father, Charles H. Smith Jr. Later, Ross would open Home Federal Savings and Loan Association in Albany, where he served as its President from 1955-1984. After a merger with Georgia Federal, Ross and Isabelle moved to Atlanta, where he worked for Georgia Federal until his retirement in 1986. They moved to Florida for retirement for many years, but returned to Albany to finish retirement. During their retirement years, Ross and Isabelle traveled the 49 states in their camper. Isabelle was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, and Porterfield United Methodist Church of Albany. Isabelle was a loving mother and grandmother. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Cecelia Smith Boesch, and her two brothers, John Allen Smith, Charles H. Smith III, and her husband Ross. Survivors include a son, Charles R. Gatlin (Cathy), of Forsyth, GA and two daughters, Margaret (Peggy) Rice (Tom) of Winter Haven, FL and Cynthia (Cindy) Edwards (Michael) of Montezuma, GA, nine grandchildren, and twelve great grandchildren. The family will attend a service and internment at Crown Hill Cemetery at 2 PM on Monday, January 22, 2024. The Rev. Josh Duckworth will officiate. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions are to be made to Porterfield United Methodist Church, Albany.

Isabelle Smith Gatlin

October 16, 1926 - January 19, 2024