Merlene Bernadine Smith

Merlene Bernadine Smith, age 98 of Grand Prairie, Texas passed away on Thursday, March 18, 2021. Merlene was born September 3, 1922 in Meeks, Texas to Edwin Bernard Green and Verena Anna Kessler. Her father was a farmer in Rosebud, Texas and she often told stories of weed free cotton fields, cotton picking competitions and one time hooking the mule up to the plow all by herself.

She moved to Grand Prairie around 1942 to work at American Body Works where she met Edward Smith whom she married in 1945. Following her husband’s service in WWII, they started their family in 1950. Together they raised six children creating a family legacy over 70+ with in-laws, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She was a member of Immaculate Conception Church where she served on the Women’s Guild and the Altar Society. Later became of member of St. Michael The Archangel. She was a devoted Catholic and prayed the rosary daily.

Merlene is preceded in death by her husband, Edward Smith, brother, Chester Green, son-in-law, Douglas Dandridge, and her parents Edwin and Verena Green.

She is survived by children: Charles Smith and wife Mary Lou, Gregory Smith and wife Barbara Holder, Pamela Meine and husband Ronald, Judith Dandridge, Lisa Stefka and husband Larry, David Smith and wife Ida; fifteen grandchildren: Camille Meine, Gregory Leon Smith, Michele Deshesky, Melissa Melton, Erin Appl, Brian Stefka, Bradley Meine, Abby Payne, Emily Valdez, Sara Eaves, Bonnie Smith, Bret Dandridge, Benjamin Stefka, Samantha DiDomenico, Tyler Smith; thirty five great grandchildren, sister-in-law, Janet Green, nieces, nephews and friends.

Pall Bearers are her six grandsons: Gregory Smith, Brian Stefka, Bradley Meine, Bret Dandridge, Benjamin Stefka and Tyler Smith.

Visitation will be March 25, 2021 at Grand Prairie Funeral Home from 5pm – 8pm with rosary at 7:30pm. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 1:00pm on March 26, 2021 at St. Michael The Archangel Catholic Church in Grand Prairie with Father Joseph Trinh. Burial will follow at Southland Memorial Park Cemetery in Grand Prairie. The children invite family and friends to gather at Prairie Lakes Golf Course outdoor pavilion located at 3202 SE 14th Street for dinner and fellowship following burial.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Immaculate Conception School in Grand Prairie, 400 NE 17th Street, Grand Prairie, TX 75050, (972)264-8777.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.grandprairiefh.com for the Smith family.