Community Mourns Loss of 14-Year-Old Ider High School Student Noah “Smo” Smothers

The Weekly Ledger
Jan 2
2 min read

Noah “Smo” Smother. (Photo courtesy of the Smothers family.)

T.L. Sullivan | The Weekly Ledger News | Area News

DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. — The Sand Mountain communities of Ider and Henagar are mourning the loss of 14-year-old Noah “Smo” Smothers, who passed away on Monday, December 29, as a result of complications from the flu. He was surrounded by family at the time of his passing. Smothers is the second child in Alabama reported to have died from flu-related complications within the past week.

Smothers leaves a lasting impact on the Ider and Henagar communities. A freshman at Ider High School, he previously attended Henagar Junior High before moving up this year. He was active in athletics and especially loved the game of basketball, playing for both Henagar and Ider. He was also known as an enthusiastic Auburn Tigers fan.

School officials described Smothers as a student whose character and kindness stood out among his peers.

“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,” the Ider administration said in a statement.

Smothers was a member of the Ider basketball program and a member of New Home Baptist Church in Pisgah. He publicly professed his faith several years ago at Ponderosa Bible Camp, and this past summer was baptized by his father, Mark Smothers, alongside New Home Baptist Church Pastor David Smith.

Coaches and teachers remembered him for his ever-present smile, sense of humor, and genuine kindness toward others.

“He always had a smile on his face — a great teammate and person,” said Jesse Massey, Ider junior varsity boys’ head coach.

“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,” added former teacher and coach Mitch Mitchell, who said Smothers had “already made his mark” in both the Henagar and Ider communities.

Friends, classmates, teachers, and neighbors continue to share tributes honoring Smothers’ warm spirit, strong faith, and the positive influence he had on those around him.

Noah Smothers will be remembered as a kind, compassionate young man who lived his life with joy, faith, and love for others.