Ms. Texebell Smith

“I have fought a good fight. I have finished my course. I have kept the faith.”

2 Timothy 4:7

On September 15, 1945, in Warden, Louisiana, Frank Smith and Inez Birden-Smith welcomed their bundle of joy, Texebell Smith. Texebell’s name was coined after her mother’s friend, Turkla Bell. A majority of Texebell’s life was spent in Epps, Louisiana.

In 1985, Texebell moved to Fort Worth, Texas. She brought along her granddaughter, LaToya, on this new journey. She moved to Fort Worth to be closer to her father, Frank Smith. During her time in Fort Worth, Texebell worked as a caretaker, cook (with everyone wanting her Louisiana recipes), and several other jobs before working at Fort Worth Independent School District.

She began her tenure at Fort Worth Independent School District as a cafeteria worker and then she began working as a custodian. She remained with Fort Worth Independent School District until she retired.

Mother Smith was a member of Gorman Memorial Holy Sanctified Church under the leadership of Elder J.W. Scott. After leaving Gorman, she became a member of Solid Rock Tabernacle, under the leadership of Pastor B. Boone. Texebell served as Church Mother, and she was known to hand out her famous Louisiana Gumbo during Christmas and to randomly pass out teacakes.

Mother Smith became a pillar of her community in Berryhill. She truly had a “green thumb”. She could grow anything. She was known for the fresh greens that she planted and the huge plum and peach trees in her yard that those who walked by would pick. She would say I see you and then tell them to get all that they wanted. She noticed an increase in the homeless population within the neighborhood, and she started to set out bins of can goods and noodles for anyone who had the need to take them. By early morning, her bins were empty. She simply filled them up again and sat them back out. Mother Smith also donated to Toro’s Food Pantry at Tarrant County College.

Texebell enjoyed life and enjoyed spending time with her family. She also visited Epps, Louisiana every opportunity that she had. On June 24, 2026, God whispered, “Well done, my good and faithful servant” and Texebell was called home.

She was preceded in death by: Frank and Inez Smith, Brothers: Odis Smith, Eddie Lee Smith, Eugene Birden; Sister: and Evaleen Bairfield. She is survived by her daughter, Paula Smith, her sons Quint Smith & Billy Smith (Janet), her brother, Harvey Smith (Pearline), her “baby”, Dr. LaToya Smith-Jones (David) and Kennedi, her aunt, Faye Lundy, her sister -in law, Blossie Smith; 14 Grandchildren, 9 Great Grandchildren, Special Friends, Johnnie King and Mary Harris, a host of cousins, nephews, nieces and many who loved her.