Lenora Smith

Lenora Lee Smith, 64, of Corsicana, Texas found peace with the Lord on December 17, 2012. Lenora was surrounded by her loving family and friends in the days before her unexpected passing. A lifelong resident of Navarro County, Lenora was born in Corsicana, Texas on August 1, 1948 to Ellis and Alvah “Cookie” Montgomery. She attended Dawson High School and graduated Valedictorian in 1966. Her love of education led her to receive a Bachelor’s in Education from Baylor University and a Master’s in Education from Sam Houston State University. She then received another Master’s in Counseling from Baylor University. A pillar in the education community, Lenora dedicated her life to working with children and young adults, teaching and influencing generations of students. Lenora served for 41 years as a teacher and counselor, primarily with Corsicana ISD. In addition, she was a dedicated member of Northside Baptist Church, and she particularly enjoyed singing in the choir. Lenora married the love of her life, Glen Smith, on November 26, 1975, and they remained happily married for 37 years. Lenora and Glen were blessed with two daughters, Carrie and Laura, who will forever miss their mother’s comforting presence and quiet wisdom. Lenora was a passionate grandmother to her treasured grandchildren. She showered her grandchildren with love, support, encouragement, countless hours of happiness, comfort, and lots of candy. Calling her “Gammy” and “Mimi,” they were the joy of her life. She was the one the grandchildren cried for when they were sick, hurt or sad. She was a true example of unconditional love. Her dedication to her family and treasured friends was the foundation of her character, and the countless memories she created with those she loved will be her lasting legacy. Lenora is survived by her husband, Glen, and daughters and sons-in-law, Carrie and Brian Phillips of Corsicana and Laura and Brandon Starr of Dallas; her beloved grandchildren, Braden Herrmann, Brody and Hallie Phillips, Finley and Ellis Starr; mother, Alvah “Cookie” Montgomery; sisters, Monnie Haugh and Kay Yates; nieces, Katie Yates and Traci Pryor: nephew, Bradley Fife; brothers-in-law and wives, Johnny and Kathy Smith and Ben and Suzanne Smith; nephew, Dr. Jeff Smith; and numerous cousins. She was preceded in death by her father, Ellis Montgomery. Pallbearers are Greg Bower, Robert Bray, Donnie Denbow, Dave Ralston, Bill Maupin, Jim Wood, and Earl Scarborough. Honorary pallbearers are her “girls”: Barbara Phillips, Beverly Barnette, Terry Boulware, Lanelle Crawford, Patty Bowen, Teresa Parker, and Barbara LePoris. Visitation will be at Griffin Roughton Funeral Home on Thursday, December 20 from 6-8 p.m. Services will be at Northside Baptist Church on Friday, December 21 at 2 p.m. with Dr. Rick Lamb officiating. Burial will follow at Hamilton – Beeman Cemetery in Corsicana. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Northside Baptist Church Building Fund, 2800 North Beaton Street, Corsicana, Texas 75110. The family would like to express thanks for all the prayers, cards, calls and support during this difficult time. A on-line guest book is available at www.griffin-roughton.com by selecting the service for Lenora Smith. Funeral arrangements under the direction of Griffin – Roughton Funeral Home.

Lenora Smith

August 1, 1948 - December 17, 2012