Willadean Smith

Willadean Smith, a cherished wife, mother, and grandmother, peacefully passed away on February 27th, 2025, in Bakersfield, California. She was born on October 27th, 1934, in Crescent, Oklahoma, to Abbie and Thomas Loston Huff. At a young age, Willadean and her family moved to Bakersfield, California, where she lived a life filled with love, faith, and devotion, leaving a lasting impression on everyone she met.

At the tender age of 16, Willadean married her sweetheart, Troy Lee Smith, beginning a journey together that would span decades. By the grace of God, Willadean and Troy found each other in Bakersfield despite both being born and raised in Oklahoma. With Troy’s dedication to farming, Willadean embraced the invaluable role of being a loving wife and cherished every moment raising their three boys: Larry, Bobby, and Dennis. She always looked forward to providing a warm meal and sweet iced tea for her boys after a long day of work on the cotton farm.

When not on the farm, Willadean and Troy found great joy in traveling, visiting various national parks, and never missing an opportunity to play slots at their favorite casinos. She found joy in the simple things in life and will be fondly remembered for her cooking and baking while hosting holiday gatherings at the farm. From her legendary homemade chocolate cake to her black-eyed peas, Willadean found great pleasure and passion in the kitchen. She was especially proud of her role as a mother and grandmother, and her greatest joy was spending time with her loving grandchildren, who she embraced with a warm hug as they walked through the door. Though her family was her passion, Willadean had many close friends with whom she never missed an opportunity for a card game or a good movie on the weekend.

A devout Christian, Willadean’s humble spirit and boundless kindness touched the lives of all who knew her. She was a beacon of grace and compassion, embodying the virtues of faith and family. Her quiet strength and unwavering love will be deeply missed but forever cherished in the hearts of her family.

Though our hearts ache with her loss, we find comfort knowing that she is now at peace, reunited with her beloved husband and their three boys in heaven, in the presence of our Lord. Her legacy of love, faith, and selflessness will continue to inspire all of us who were fortunate enough to have known her.

Willadean was preceded in death by her parents, Abbie and Thomas Loston Huff; siblings, Alvia, Orval, Lynn, Enice, TL, Evelyn, and Marie; husband, Troy; and sons, Larry, Bobby, and Dennis. She is survived by her sister, Maxine; brother, Venoy; daughters-in-law, Barbara and Paulette; grandchildren, Jaci, Haley (Mike), Jacqueline, Jordan (Matt), Megan (Sean), and Madison (Jonathan). Willadean is also survived by many loving great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Willadean will be remembered for her radiant smile and infectious laugh. We will forever hold her memory close, grateful for all the moments shared and the life lessons she taught.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Willadean’s visitation on Tuesday, March 11th from 5:30-7pm at Hillcrest Memorial Chapel. Graveside Service will be held on March 12th at 2:00pm at Hillcrest Memorial Chapel, 9109 Kern Canyon Rd