Gloria Linda Smith of Nacogdoches passed away due to complications of COPD on Friday, March 16, 2018, at her residence at the age of 77 years, 4 months, and 18 days. She was born October 26, 1940, in Waxahachie, Texas, to parents John L. and Maurine (Hightower) Rohus.
Linda married the love of her life, George W. Smith, on June 24, 1957, and they remained together until his passing on December 7, 1996. They came to Nacogdoches in 1986 to be closer to family. After coming to Nacogdoches, she hosted the family for yearly Thanksgiving reunions. She was a loving mother and grandmother who was fully dedicated to her family.
Mrs. Smith worked as a machinist at Parker-Hannifin in Nacogdoches for over 20 years. In addition to holding down a full-time job, she also took care of her household while her husband was working during the week as a truck driver. Later in life, she cared for her parents and also her husband as he was going through his cancer treatments.
Linda was cared for in her later years by her son, Ronnie and his wife Jody. She enjoyed her afternoon beer or wine responsibly. Her family would often hear her recite her favorite quote, “It’s five o’clock somewhere!” She had a strong impact on those who had the privilege of knowing her.
Mrs. Smith was preceded in death by her parents; husband, George W. Smith; granddaughter, Danyelle C. Smith; and grandson-in-law, Sonny Myers.
She is survived by her sons, Ronnie Smith and wife Jody of Nacogdoches and George M. Smith and wife Gwen of New Hebron, Mississippi; daughter, Sherrie K. Jones of Bacliff, Texas; unofficially adopted sons and daughters, Pete and Donna Kinley of Ferris, Texas, and Ray and Zarene Cross of Sayre, Oklahoma; 11+ grandchildren; 14+ great-grandchildren; sister, Ann (Rohus) Garrett and husband Bill of Pasadena, Texas; and brothers, Larry Quillen and wife Betty of Brandon, Mississippi, and Earl Quillen and wife Connie of Deer Park, Texas.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 24, 2018, at Cason Monk-Metcalf Sunset Chapel officiated by Chaplain Timothy A. Roberts. Interment will follow at Swift Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Ronnie Smith, Steven Kinley (Pete), Ray Cross (R.C.), Cory Bertrand, Tim Broussard, and Jake Jordan.
Friends and family are invited at a visitation from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Friday, March 23, 2018, at Cason Monk-Metcalf.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Smith’s name to Harbor Hospice, 517 Gaslight Blvd., Lufkin, Texas 75904.
Please visit www.CasonMonk-Metcalf.com to leave your online condolences and memories.
Arrangements are under the direction of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors.
