Nelda L. Smith of Thornton, passed away peacefully at her home after a long illness on Sunday, June 14, 2020 at the age of 73.
She was born on May 17, 1947 to James and Loyce Bryant Bennight in Holland, Texas. She attended schools in Belton and lived in Bell County most of her childhood years. On March 10, 1965 she married Thomas Smith and they recently celebrated 55 years of marriage. They had three sons, John, Scott and Mark. Nelda also known as Nell, Nellie, Maw, Mom, Grandma and G ma was a hard worker who enjoyed having fun and spending time with her family. She loved the beach, going on cruises, playing games, working in the yard, casino trips, painting and doing all kinds of crafts. Above all her favorite thing to do was spoil her grandchildren and great grandkids. She was a member of the Red Hat Ladies and enjoyed spending time with those ladies who became great friends.
She is survived by her husband, Tom, sons, Scott Smith and wife Lorraine, and Mark Smith and wife Melissa; grandchildren, Britney Knight and daughter Emerson, Scott Smith Jr. and wife Laura and their sons Haze and Dax, Mandy Smith and daughter Dakota; along with bonus great grandchildren, Aubree and Brynlee Beveridge and Mark Smith Jr.; sister, Kay Love and husband Gene and bonus daughter Jean Scott and husband James; as well as numerous friends, nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her son, John Smith; parents, James and Loyce Bennight; sisters, Betty Driska ; brothers, Dr. Robert Driska, Butch May and Sonny Driska.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be given in Nelda’s memory to the Groesbeck Education Foundation/John Smith Memorial Scholarship Fund P.O. Box 559 Groesbeck, TX 76642. Checks should be payable to Groesbeck Education Foundation.
The family would like to give a very special thanks to the Scott and White hospice team for taking such good care of Nelda the last three months and giving support to the family. Sandra Earles, Sandra Dees, Kathy Reel, Nicole Grams, Connie Busby and Sherry McMullen are pure angels and we will never be able to thank them enough for their loving care.
There will be a memorial service at the Thornton Cemetery on Saturday, June 20th at 10 a.m. with Brother Tracy Sims officiating.
Print Obituary & Condolences
I’m so sorry for your loss my prayer is with the family, I’m sure going miss her when we come out to Texas. I had so much fun with Nelda when we would go to the Casino’s i will miss that . Im so glad that i was able to take her and Thomas to Sedona she all ways told me that is where she wanted to go. We had so much fun and good memory.s.
i will miss her and love her very much
So sorry for your loss. Prayers to all of you. She was a wonderful person. Always loved seeing her when they came to visit. I miss and love you Nellie. ❤🙏
I am deeply saddened by the loss of this beautiful sweet woman. Ms. Nelda was one of a kind. I truly loved her. Condolences to the family. I know she will be deeply missed.
The Baylor Scott & White Hospice team would like to extend to you our deepest sympathy. It was an honor to care for Mrs. Smith and please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
I’m sorry to hear about Ms. Nelda passing. Mr. Tom and Ms. Nelda were always good to me. Y’all are in my thoughts and prayers.
So very sorry for the loss of Nelda. She was a good person, smart and caring. I know she will be greatly missed by
everyone. I personally enjoyed every time I had the opportunity to be around her. She had a tender smile.
Kathy Cox
Kay, I am so sorry for the loss of your sister . You are in our thoughts and prayers. NELDA was a beautiful lady. We love you.
Joan