Mary Lou Smith

Mary Lou (Miller) Smith, 88, of Wichita Falls, Texas, passed away September 12, 2015. Graveside Services will be held at 1:00 PM Thursday, September 17, 2015 in the Veterans Garden of Crestview Memorial Park. No visitation is scheduled.

Mary was born May 1, 1927 in Wichita Falls to Harry Edward Miller and Susan Veora Keneda Miller. She graduated from Wichita Falls Senior High School in 1943, earned an associate's degree at Hardin Junior College, and a Bachelor's of Arts from The University of Texas in 1946. Although she was a pre-med major at UT, she decided that the medical field was not for her, and worked as a floral designer for several years at Downing Floral.

She married Joe Daniel Smith in 1950, while he was stationed at Sheppard Air Force Base, and they embarked on a 61-year partnership.

Mary earned additional bachelor's and master's degrees in education at Midwestern State University, along with a lifetime elementary teaching certificate. She was a substitute teacher in the Wichita Falls public schools for over 25 years, preferring to teach junior high math and science. She belonged to Alpha Chi, Kappa Delta Pi, and the MSU chapter of the Association of Childhood Education. She was a lifetime member of the UT Alumni Association (Texas Exes) and the MSU Alumni Association.

In retirement, Mary and Joe were active members of the Wichita Falls 50+ Senior Zone and 55 Ad

vantage, where they enjoyed many friendships. Mary was an accomplished hand quilter, creating many cherished heirlooms for family and friends.

Survivors include daughter Kim and husband Lt. Col. David Carey, USAF, of Alexandria, VA; daughter Kerri and husband Donald Elzie, of Austin, Texas; grandchildren Matthew Carey and Allison Elzie, as well as three special nieces and their families.

Special thanks to the staff of Royal Estates of Wichita Falls and Wichita Home Health for their loving care, and close friends, Richard and Wanda Hendrix.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.