Lillian Smith

Lillian was born July 17th, 1926 to Clarance Hosea Wade and Ruby Baker Wade in Andice, Texas.  Lillian resided in Andice with her parents and two loving brothers: Edwin Wade & Weldon Wade.  After the passing of Ruby, Hosea remarried Georgia Windsor Wade who helped to raise and mold Lillian into the incredible woman she was.

After finishing school she pursued a short career in Austin where she roomed with her life long best friend, Marcine Bridges.  She then went on to meet the love of her life, Leonard Smith.  They were married March 22nd, 1950 at the First Baptist Church in Georgetown.  After their union they resided in Jarrell and did so for their entire lives.  On February 16, 1953, they welcomed their baby girl, Peggy Lynn followed by the birth of their son, Gary Gene on November 8, 1954.  Lillian spent her years raising two phenomenal children.  She taught Peggy how to sew and taught Gary what it meant to cook a proper chicken fried steak.  She loved her children and her kindness and gentle spirit showed through them as well.   

Lillian loved games, especially 42, which she played up until her final days.  Growing up she never let her kids or grandchildren “win,” but she taught them the importance of winning and losing with grace.  Lillian looked forward to her weekly game days with her brother, Weldon and her nieces and nephews.  It truly was her love.  Lillian loved the outdoors and could out fish the best of them.  She spent many hours at the family farm fishing, even after the loss of her beloved husband, L.R. 

Lillian loved and she loved big.  From her community work volunteering at the Senior Luncheons in Jarrell to her help at the Baptist Church, she was always involved and loved loving others.  Her love of Jesus showed through her character in so many ways: her love of making a coconut cream pie for a friend in need or her simple sweet voice calling to check on someone. She truly made a difference in the lives of those who knew her.  We can all agree, Lillian exemplified the characteristics of Jesus.

Lillian is survived by her daughter in law, Janet Smith of Jarrell, TX; her son in law Larry Bartek of Belton, TX; her grandchildren: Carrie (and Robert) McCoy of Montgomery, TX; Trent (and Ashley) Janke of Belton, TX; Holly (and Dustin) Shafer of Salado, TX; Michael Smith of Jarrell, TX; Angie (and Jon) Laffere of Thorndale, TX; Amber Bartek of Temple, TX.  Lillian is also survived by her 7 great grandchildren. 

Lillian is preceded in death by her loving husband, LR Smith; daughter, Peggy Lynn Bartek of Belton, TX; son, Gary Gene Smith of Jarrell, TX; brother, Edwin Wade of Andice, TX; sister in law, Helen Wade of Andice, TX; sister in law, Chris Wade of Georgetown, TX.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate the life of our precious Lillian “Memaw” Smith.  A visitation will be held at Gabriels Funeral Home, 393 N Interstate Hwy 35, Georgetown, TX 78628 on Friday, July 21, 2022 from 5-7 p.m.  A graveside service will be held for immediate family only on Saturday July 22, 2022 at 9 a.m. at Corn Hill Cemetery in Jarrell, TX.