Starla Gwen Smith

A visitation for Starla will be held Saturday, August 23, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 Highway 277 South, Abilene, TX 79606. A celebration of life will follow at 11:00 AM, in the funeral home chapel. Services will be officaited by her Pastor Burtis WIlliams. Interment will be held at Drummond Cemetery.

She was born in Abilene at Hendrick Medical Center on August 21, 1956 to William (Billy) Otto and Glenda Merle Pruett Smith.

She was a 1974 graduate of Abilene High School and Cisco graduate of Medical Terminology and Transcription. She was employed as a medical transcriptionist before creating her own transcription services business, working for 30 years before retiring.

She went out of her way to put a smile on the faces of those around her, either through a compliment or funny commentary, maybe both. She was always happy to fulfill any role whether it was being comedic relief or being an encourager to her family and friends. She had the gift of making people feel seen. One of her biggest wishes was that others would see Jesus in her.

She loved Jesus, her family, including her dogs, and the Dallas Cowboys.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Glenda in 2009, and father, Bill in 2013.

She is survived by her sister Cheri (Dean) Carter of View, Tx, her brother, Joe (Debbie) Smith of View Tx, her niece Janae (Seth) Falkner, of Abilene, Tx, along with her great nephews, Knox and Everett.

In lieu of flowers and in Starla’s honor, please make donations to Rescue the Animals, Abilene, Tx.