Ann L Smith

Ann Calloway Lusk Smith (84), beloved mother/mother-in-law/grandmother of Cody, Michelle, Garrett, Gibson, and Griffin Lusk, recently from Horseshoe Bay, Texas, passed away on August 7, 2025. She had stage 4 lung cancer which had metastasized to the brain. She was able to remain in the comfort of her home and was lovingly cared for by her family with the help of amazing Hospice caregivers until she passed peacefully.

From the moment she received her terminal diagnosis in early May, her strong Christian faith guided both her attitude and her actions. She said she “knew where she was going” and that we all needed to get on the “joy train” as she prepared to ride it to her final destination with Jesus. She was not afraid and felt deeply what Psalms 23:8 tells us when it says the Lord’s “goodness and unfailing kindness shall be with me all of my life, and afterwards I will live with you forever in your home.”

Ann was born in Lubbock, TX and was raised on her family farm in Ropesville, TX. As residents of The Ropesville Resettlement Project (FDR’s largest New Deal Farm Relief experiment), Ann’s family worked seven days a week from sunrise to sunset farming cotton to make a living and eventually repay the government for the land and improvements over a period of years. It was extremely arduous work, but Ann always spoke fondly of following her beloved big brother, Jim, around; climbing trees; tending the garden with her Pappy’s hoe; and minding the farm animals. She made lifelong friends in Ropesville and fostered those friendships for over 80 years.

At 18 years old, Ann fell in love and married Jack Lusk of Lubbock, TX. Together, they “raised” both themselves and two sons. Even after they both got remarried, they remained best friends, always putting their son and his family first. Their healthy and supportive relationship as divorced parents made an indelible mark on Cody’s life. As a mother, she passed along her love of cooking, sense of humor, strong will and determination, and a passion for the outdoors.

Ann wore many hats over the years. Her sweet and feisty personality, loving heart, strong work ethic, resilience, and deep faith are what made her so extraordinary. Personally, she was an amazing mother to her sons, proud grandparent, devoted wife, and a caregiver for her grandparents, her mother, and eventually her husband during his cancer battle. After losing her son, Randy, she tried her best to provide support to other parents grieving the loss of a child. Professionally, she was a trained cosmetologist, Lubbock County Schools employee, realtor, and a successful business owner.

After she married Lawson Smith, she enjoyed living on the river in the mountain resort town of Ruidoso, NM. She loved nature, especially birds and flowers. To her tenants and friends, she was an adopted mother, caring friend, god mother, Bridge partner, and “Queen of the Front Porch” overseeing game nights and serving homemade southern cooking. Even living halfway across the country, “grAnn” was an engaged grandparent. Family trips to Ruidoso involved the purchase of new cowboy boots/hats; going to the horse races; learning to rope cattle; fishing for trout; making chicken and dumplings, fried chicken, and potato salad; learning to play board games; and gathering walnuts to earn money for a trip to the dollar store. She dropped everything she was doing to meet up in various cities to babysit the boys in the hotel while Michelle worked. She shared her wisdom, taught them the importance of working hard, and helped them grow their Christian faith. She helped make them the men they have become and she will live on in them forever.

Ann was also a second mom to Cody’s wife, Michelle. They had a strong bond built on mutual respect, love, and a shared title of “little general.” The special time they spent together over the years and especially recently made that bond stronger. Being with Ann throughout her cancer journey is a privilege Michelle will always cherish. In her final hours, Ann had a moment of clarity. Cody and Michelle told her how much they loved her and she them. Michelle read Psalm 23, “Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need…Even when walking through the dark valley of death I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me, guarding, guiding, all the way.” Ann smiled and whispered, “I like that one, read it again.”

Ann is survived by her devoted son, Cody Lusk; her daughter-in-love, Michelle Lusk; and her cherished grandsons Garrett, Gibson, and Griffin Lusk. She will be dearly missed by her first husband Jack Lusk; cousins Janet and Rick Lusk; her nieces and nephew, Ellie, Jay, and Mandy and their families; and fondly remembered by many friends whom she loved like family.

Ann was preceded in death by her first-born son, Randy Lusk; her husband of almost 30 years Lawson Smith; her parents Gay and Guy Calloway; and siblings Jim Calloway and Dorothy Douglas.

The family is deeply grateful for the care and support they received from the staff at New Century Hospice (Marble Falls), especially Brittany, Gavan, Clydie, and Shona.

Getting back to her roots, the family established “grAnn’s Memorial Garden” at her home. Her grandson’s helped her plant some hydrangeas with Pappy’s hoe and the marker was installed before she passed so she could see and enjoy it in her last weeks. In the future, the family will hold a series of private memorial services around Texas according to her wishes.

Donations to New Century Hospice (Marble Falls) in Ann Smith’s memory would be appreciated.

• Checks should be made out to the Gentiva Foundation and mailed to 705 North Hwy 281, Suite 201, Marble Falls, TX, 78654. Please put In Memory of Ann Smith in the memo section.

• Online donations can be made by visiting gentivahs.com and scrolling to the bottom “Donate Today” button. When completing the form, please fill in the acknowledgement Name/Address section with the following information: In Memory of Ann Smith and send acknowledgement notification to The Lusk Family at 525 Montgomery Street #273, Alexandria, VA 22314.