Story By Heath Hambrick

On Monday, December 29th the Sand Mountain communities of Ider and Henagar lost a kind soul. Noah “Smo” Smothers, 14 passed away as a result of complications from the flu with his family by his side. He is the second child to pass away from the flu in Alabama this past week.  

Noah leaves a lasting impression on so many in the Henagar and Ider communities. He was a freshman at Ider High School and attended Henagar Junior High before moving to High School this year. Noah had a love for sports; he loved the game of basketball, which he played at both Henagar and Ider. He loved cheering on the Auburn Tigers, but most importantly, his love for the Lord made him a better person. 

“Noah “Smo” Smothers was an Ider Hornet through and through, exemplifying strength of character and a bright young mind. He was a friend to many and will be missed dearly by all who knew him at our little school.” said the administration at Ider. 

Noah was a member of the Ider Basketball program and was also a member of New Home Baptist Church in Pisgah. Noah came to know the Lord several years ago when he was saved at the Ponderosa Bible Camp and this past summer his father Mark was given the privilege of baptizing Noah by New Home Baptist Church Pastor David Smith. 

Noah lived life to the fullest each day with his relationship with his lord and Savior. 

When you ask people to describe what kind of person Noah was they all tell you he was such a kind young man and a friend to so many. 

“He always had a smile on his face! A great teammate and person! I was blessed to be a small part of his life!” said Jesse Massey, Ider junior varsity boys Head Coach. 

“I had the privilege of being Noah’s teacher and coach at HJH. I have known the family since Noah was about two years old. He was a funny kid who definitely made me laugh. Noah was always smiling and most of the time it was a smile that was a little mischievous and made me wonder as his teacher or coach what he was up to.” said Mitch Mitchell. “And that’s what I will always remember about him was the way he never failed to smile and always made life more fun whether it was in the classroom, on a Beta trip, or in the gym.” 

“I know from the kids he had already made his mark just like he did at Henagar. This loss has impacted two close communities in a big way and my heart goes out to all his family and friends,” said Mitchell.  

Noah will be remembered as a kind, warm-hearted person who lived life serving the Lord.