Seletha Smith

SHAWNEE, OK – Seletha Smith, 87, of Shawnee, OK, left for that glad reunion in heaven Saturday, December 1, 2012. A celebration of her life will be held at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, December 5, 2012 at Reed-Culver Chapel in Tahlequah, OK, with Brother Quinton Kay officiating. Burial will follow at Tahlequah City Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Larry Capps II, Ron Smith, Les Hix, Terry Hix, Gayle Hix, and Keith Hix.

Born to Dora and Seth Hix on October 20, 1925 in Moody, OK, she spent her childhood there. After high school graduation she lived in Tulsa, during World War II and worked for McDonnell Douglas as a Rosie Riveter. After the war she worked as a telephone operator until her only child was born, then she became a full-time homemaker.

She married Garland Smith on March 10, 1947. They resided in Tulsa, OK, until moving to Tahlequah in 1961, so Seletha could be closer to her parents, and help care for them. They were married 53 years before Garland’s death in 2000. Family was everything to Seletha, when her parents died, she worked hard to keep the Hix family close, in the later part of their marriage, Garland pastured several churches around Tahlequah, Seletha was always by his side visiting and serving the congregations.

Seletha was a member of the Northeast Free Will Baptist Church in Shawnee, OK. Until her health prevented it, she served on the benevolent committee and called the sick and shut-ins frequently. She enjoyed fellowshipping with her Christian family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Dora and Seth Hix; her brothers, Howard Hix, Mitchell Hix, Sherman Hix, and Lacy Hix; her husband Garland Smith; and her beloved granddaughter, Heather Capps.

Seletha is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Janet and Larry Capps of Shawnee; brother Cletus Hix of Mannford; grandson and granddaughter-in-law, Larry II and Kim Capps of Newalla; one great-granddaughter, Alysa Smith of Mustang; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and precious neighbors and friends.

The family would like to extend thanks to the Shawnee Care Center and Valir Hospice Care for the care, love, and support they provided Seletha and her family.

Those wishing to send condolences are asked to consider the Northeast Free Will Baptist Church building fund, 1101 East Cammack, Shawnee, OK 74804 or Valir Hospice Care, 721 N.W. 6th Street, Suite 202, Oklahoma City, OK 73102.