De Smith was born January 9,1936. She died peacefully at home August 8, 2020.
Service Information: ( Due to Covid-19, there will be no service)
De lived most of her life in Waco, Texas where she spent her time as a volunteer and a community leader. De worked with The Hewitt Chamber of Commerce which was housed at Midway Machine, their family business. One of her proudest moments was being awarded the Hewitt Hero Award in 2001.
Her career continued with The State of Texas working for State Representative Kip Averitt. She was awarded The Yellow Rose of Texas by Governor Ann Richards in 1995.
She ended her long career working as an advocate for the elderly for Rainey & Rainey, Attorney at Law.
De was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Ed Smith.
She is survived by her sister, Fredda Gunn; daughter, De Ann Smith; son, Layne Smith and wife, Jennifer Smith; and grandkids, Logan and Keili.
Place of Service: ,
Print Obituary & Condolences
De Ann, I am so very sorry to read about your sweet mother. And I still think about your darling grandmother, dearest Mrs. Tucker. I know how hard it is when they leave us; but they are truly forever with us in spirit and in heart. May God wrap His loving arms around you and give you the peace and comfort that only He can. Love and prayers, Donna Adams Zemanek
DeAnn and Layne and family, I remember your mom since we were in elementary school. Then getting to see her all through high school was always a blessing. She was always so nice to me and I really loved her. I’m glad I can say I knew her. I can hear her laugh as if she were here beside me. I am so so sorry for your loss. Keeping you all in my prayers.
Judy Kent Jones
De Smith was an amazing woman that will be truly missed by so many. She was so very kind and never met a stranger. There are so many memories I have of living in Hewitt that I will cherish forever. Prayers for all of the family…love you all.
One of the kindest most generous lady I ever had the privilege to know.
She was truly remarkable!
De Ann, Layne and Jennifer, our deepest condolences at the passing of your beautiful mother. She was a sweetheart . She was always so nice to us in high school. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
De Ann, I’m so sorry about your mother’s death. Sheh was a good lady, and over the years, we had lots of fun, lots of secrets, and I certainly have good memories of all of that. My love to you and Layne.
DE LIVED DOWN ROSS STREET FROM MY GRANDFATHER AND GRANDMOTHER AMMERMAN. THEY LIVED AT 26TH AND ROSS. I WENT TO SCHOOL WITH DE FROM BELLS HILL ELEMENTRY TO WACO TECH WHERE I GRADUATED IN 1953. I ALSO WENT TO HIGH SCHOOL WITH HER HUSBAND ED. THEY WERE ALL GOOD PEOPLE.
MAY GOD REST THEIR SOULS.
THOMAS WILEY
What a wonderful, vibrant, fascinating woman De was. She may be gone but the impact of her life will be felt for a very, very long time. I’m sorry DeAnn for the loss of your mother.
De was a special lady. I met her and knew here while she worked with Kip Averitt. She would come up to City Hall and we would always have great conversations; I have fond memories of her. I am so sorry for your loss.
Thalia McAninch – Waco City Manager’s Office
Dee was such a delight to be around and added so much laughter to our gatherings. She wore lots of different hats throughout her lifetime and gathered friends wherever she went. Prayers and Hugs to you DeAnn.
I first meet Ms. De Ann 35 years ago and she left a lasting impression on me. I was having a really bad day. Among many mishaps, I locked myself out of my office. There were no cell phones back then, so I drove to the bank that we leased our office from. They sent me to Midway Machine to get a key from De Ann. ( which I had never met before) She could tell I was at my wits end. She was so nice and gave me a new key and I went on my way. Within a few hours, a delivery driver showed up with a flower arrangement, from non other than De Ann. It had a sweet card attached that just said that she knew I was having a bad day and just thought I needed something nice to cheer me up, and it did. I was so impressed with her kindness that I have never forgotten that day so many years ago. To sent something to a person she had never meet before, I knew then what a special lady she was! My thoughts and prayers to her friends and family.
Deepest sympathy on the loss of Dee Smith. A remarkable person. A mentor to many city and chamber officials, legislative employees , and others throughout central Texas. She was awarded the Service to the Community Award by the Heart of Texas Workforce Development Board.
Always such a kind lady with so much
knowledge .. My heartfelt condolences during this most difficult time.
De Ann and family. Debbie and I were privileged to have known her. Debbie loved her like a mom and always will. She was an amazing lady and we truly miss her. Our prayers and love and Godspeed! I know she’s with Ed in heaven!
Dee was one of the sweetest and kindest people that I have ever knew. We could all learn how to live our life by her example! Thinking loving thoughts for all those she left behind. What a legacy she left behind her!!!
We loved her so much. We will always treasure the memories. She was loved and she loved. She was a force to be dealt with. You away knew where you stood with her. Her words were direct and straight forward. De, it’s not good-bye- it’s we will see you soon on the other side. We know you are conducting business today, but God is telling you- “Welcome Home!” “I’ve got this!”
Dee Smith was a Lady that was Loved a Respested by all who new her .
I new Dee for more than 30 years, she was a Great Friend and will
be missed by all !
I was fortunate enough to know De in both a personal and professional capacity. As I was growing up, my mother was an administrator at the nursing home that cared for her mother, and we were blessed to have become friends with this great lady. About 11 years ago, I went to work for the City of Woodway, and Ms. De immediately recognized me and my mother. She was a wonderfully fiesty, impressively sharp, always entertaining soul with a heart for serving the people. I adored her, and knew that any meeting involving De Smith would never be dull. We always enjoyed trying to guess what she’d have to say about a particular project.
She will be deeply missed by many. Thank you to her family for sharing her with us for all this time.
I was honored to serve on the Woodway City Council with De. Her wonderful personality and sharp wit made meetings much more interesting, and her concern for our city and our citizens’ wellbeing was strong. She was an amazing woman and will be greatly missed.
I served on the Woodway City Council with De and sat next to her during council meetings. During one long onerous session she leaned over to me and said ” If you move to adjourn, I’ll second it.”
Quite a lady.
De, So very sorry about Dee….She was such a wonderful person and I enjoyed knowing her very much. Learned so much from her that shaped my political thinking…we shall miss her very much.
To De’s Son and Daughter. My name is Lynette Griffin-Jackson. I met your Mother before a Hay Daze in Hewitt in the 90’s. She became a very special person in my family life and my musical career. Even though I hadn’t seen her in years, we are in Sugar Land now, she remained special to us in heart. We are so sorry for your loss. I loved her so much. However, I know she awaits in Paradise. Absent from the body, but present with the Lord.
God bless You,
Lynette Griffin-Jackson and Family