Services

Thursday, September 17, 2026

Public Viewing: 3:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M.

Held at

Nelson & Sons Memorial Chapel

824 Lipscomb Street

Shelbyville, Tennessee

Friday, September 18, 2026

Family Visitation: 11:00 A.M.

Funeral Service: 12:00 Noon

Held at

Woodfork Chapel AME Church

1011 Lipscomb Street

Shelbyville, Tennessee

Interment

Mt. Ararat Cemetery

Shelbyville, Tennessee

Ricki Odessa Rippy was born in Shelbyville, TN on December 6, 1946, to the late Alton “Baby Ray” Smith and Mary “Babe” Smith. She was one of six children. Ricki was called home on Saturday, September 12, 2026, surrounded by family.

Ricki was a member of Woodfork Chapel AME Church where she sang in the choir, served as Trustee, and taught Sunday School.

Ricki graduated from Harris High School where she was a member of the basketball team. Ricki went on to attend the University of Dubuque in Iowa, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in social work. She later earned her master’s degree in social work from the University of Tennessee.

Ricki went on to work for the State of Tennessee for 30 years. After retirement, she worked with the First Wheels Program and later at the financial department at Buchanan Beauty College for her sister, Diana Buchanan.

Ricki was a fan of the Tennessee Vols and the Tennessee Titans. She enjoyed fishing, playing cards, board games, and spending time with the family.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Mary “Babe” Smith; father, Alton “Baby Ray” Smith; her sister, Bessie “Squeakie” Hampton; and her brother, Kenneth “Butchie Boy” Smith.

Ricki leaves to cherish her memories, her husband of 58 years, Jessie “JP” Rippy of Wartrace, TN; a devoted son, Jay (Leah) Rippy; devoted daughters, Michelle (Michael) Lewis and Kenya Smith; goddaughter, Kimberly (Keith) Churn; sisters, Diana Buchanan and Deidre “Tinkerbell” Smith; brother, Jody Smith; eight grandchildren, Brooklyn Rippy, Ayden Rippy, Ethan Rippy, Chance Travis, Mischa Lewis, Mikalani Lewis, Jekiyah Smith, and Shauntaria Wray; two great grandchildren, Kru Bevans and Kamarie Smith; and a host of loving nieces and nephews.