Shirley Marie Smith

In loving memory of Shirley Marie Smith. 

Shirley was born on April 29, 1942 in her grandparents house in Scurry, Texas across from Mt. Olive Baptist Church. When she was 4 the family moved to Star Brand Ranch in Kaufman where her father was a ranch hand. She graduated from Kaufman High School in 1960. Shirley married the love of her life Jerry (Jack) Smith on Feb. 5, 1960 in her parents home in Kaufman. They were happily married for 51 years upon the time of his death. Jack and Shirley lived in Balch Springs, Texas over 20 years before moving to Scurry and later Warsaw. She worked for CHF Industries for 17 years. She attended Mt Olive Baptist Church her entire life, joining the church at the age of 12. She served as a teacher and was a faithful deacons wife. She did a lot of visitations and also volunteered many years at the churches Samaritans Closet. She was honored with an award from the Masons for her volunteer work at the Closet.

Before her health declined she loved to work in flowerbeds and to cook big meals for family holidays. She also loved shopping yard sales and thrift stores. She was a people person and never met a stranger. She loved to take care of others and was a caregiver for many years to her mother in law and later her dad. Her biggest accomplishment in life was being a wonderful wife and mother. She loved her children and grandchildren immensely.

Preceded in death by her parents W.R. (Buster) Fortner and Opal Marie Benson Fortner, husband Jerry (Jack) Smith, sister Wanda Baugus. Survived by children Jerry G. Smith Jr. (Brenda) of Slidell, LA., Gerry Smith of Kaufman, Texas, Julie Oliver (Frankie) of Scurry, Texas and Brian Smith (Jennifer) of Scurry, Texas. Grandchildren Jay Smith, Savannah Rachel, Sierra Smith, Zachary Smith, Matthew Smith, Amanda Nichols, Cody Oliver, Dakota Oliver, Mahailey Oliver, Kenzie Smith, Bryce Smith, 17 great grandchildren, brother in law William Baugus and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Hospice Plus for their care the last few months and especially the staff at Kaufman Healthcare for all their love and care the last 2 1/2 years. Mom loved the staff and we are forever grateful.