Ernestine Wood Smith

Ernestine W. Smith rushed into the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, January 4, 2011. With grace and poise she fought a courageous battle with cancer. Ernestine’s life was a testimony of her deep faith in Christ, devotion to family, and love for her legion of friends.

Born in Lamesa, Texas, to Alberta and Ernest B. Wood on June 26, 1936, Ernestine was raised in Lamesa, Texas, and graduated from Lamesa High School. She then earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education with a minor in Music from Texas Tech University. She began her teaching career in Midland, Texas, where she met her husband. They were married on December 27, 1959 in Lamesa, Texas. They then made their home in Odessa, Texas, where they have resided for the last fifty years.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 51 years, Walter D. Smith and daughters Donese Walker and husband, Craig; Debbie Smith; Dianna Bratton and husband Ed, all of Dallas, Texas; a sister, Helen Stafford of Palestine, Texas; Grandchildren Brittany Biales and husband Zach; Zac Walker, Abbie Walker, Cody Walker; Katy Welch and husband Taylor; Sarah Ockwood and husband Matt; Great-grandchildren Luke Ockwood and Mason Welch and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Ernestine lived a life that glorified God; she leaves a legacy in the lives of many students that she taught and inspired in her career as a school teacher.

Ernestine was an active member of The First Baptist Church of Odessa where she faithfully served. She was a member of the Odessa Retired Teachers Association, Women’s Auxiliary of Gideon’s International, P.E.O., Roundtable Two, Kappa Kappa Iota, D.A.R. and Bible Study Fellowship.

Ernestine’s eyes were always focused on her Savior, and her faith and sweet spirit greatly impacted those around her.

She will be tremendously missed, but there is great rejoicing in heaven that such a precious saint has come home. To God be the glory!

Family will receive friends Thursday, January 6, 2011 from 6:00p.m.-8:00p.m. at Frank W. Wilson Funeral Directors.

A joyful service celebrating the life of Ernestine W. Smith will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, January 7th, 2011 at The First Baptist Church Odessa. If friends so desire, memorial contributions may be made to Gideon’s International, First Baptist Church Odessa Building Fund, or Blanton-Davis Ovarian Cancer Research Program at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Services entrusted to Frank W. Wilson Funeral Directors.