Dixie Anita Smith

Dixie Anita (Nehring) Smith was born February 14, 1935 on Nehring Branch near Alma, Kansas. She died January 30, 2025, in Corpus Christi, Texas, just weeks before her 90th birthday. She passed peacefully at home with her son, Steve, and daughter-in-law, Jennifer at her side.

She was preceded in death by her husband of fifty-six years, Marvin E Smith, and her younger brothers, Harold Nehring and Ronald Nehring. Her surviving children are Dennis Echols of Eskridge, KS; Debra Hernandez (Nev Agass) of Mission Viejo, CA; Darla Hernandez of Scottsdale, AZ, Cherie Telfer ( John Fogleman ) of Okeechobee, FL, and Steve Smith (Jennifer Smith) of Corpus Christi, TX. She leaves twelve grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren and her sister, Dianne Nehring Farabi (Rich Butchko) of Dublin, OH.

Her growing up years were spent in rural Kansas where she attended Lone Cedar School, a one-room schoolhouse, she also attended Alma High School and Highland Park High School in Topeka, Kansas. She was married to Donald Echols. Her marriage to Marvin E. Smith took her to San Antonio, Texas. After his death she moved to Corpus Christi to be close to her son, Steve.

Those who met and knew Dixie remember her sparkling eyes, her warm smile, easy laugh and her sometimes honest plain speaking. Her nurturing personality was a special gift she gave to those she cared for during her work as a private nurse for many years.

She lived her Christian faith, which sustained her throughout her life and will be missed by the many family members and friends who loved her and will cherish her memory.

Arrangements are under the care of Colonial Funeral Home in San Antonio, Texas. The memorial service will take place at King of Kings Lutheran Church LCMS, 13888 Dreamwood Dr, San Antonio, TX 78233 at 9:30 AM Friday, March 7, 2025 with burial to follow at 11:30 AM at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209. Live streaming of the service will be available.

Donations in Dixie's memory can be made to King of Kings Lutheran Church Food Pantry (13888 Dreamwood Dr San Antonio, Texas 78233) or to the American Cancer Society.