Laura Jane McGraw Smith

Laura Jane McGraw Smith, 85, of Blooming Grove, Texas passed from this life early Saturday morning on June 8, 2024, at Faith Presbyterian Hospice in Dallas, Texas with her husband of 66 years by her side. She was born in Blooming Grove, Texas on January 19, 1939, to Ernest and Clara Collier McGraw. Jane attended the Blooming Grove public schools and graduated in 1957. While in school, she lettered in basketball, volleyball, and softball, was elected to who's who's, high school football sweetheart and Navarro County Fair Duchess. In August of 1956, she met her future husband, Alva Lynn Smith and they were married on June 6, 1958, at the Central Baptist Church in Blooming Grove. To this union were born three children: Donna in 1959, Michael in 1967, and Keitha in 1969. Jane retired in 1999 from the Texas Youth Commission after a long career in accounting at the University of Texas in Austin, Philco-Ford, Clear Lake City, Texas, and Navarro College in Corsicana, Texas. Jane was very active in her church and community. She was a longtime member of Central Baptist Church where she taught children's Sunday School and vacation bible school. She served on the Blooming Grove city council and was an officer in the Blooming Grove Ex- Student association. Jane was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Bob and Jack McGraw; sisters-in-law Linda Brown, Patricia McGraw, and Francis McGraw; brothers-in-law Jerry Brown and Pete Peters; niece Mary McGraw; nephew Lee McGraw. Jane is survived by her husband of 66 years, Alva Lynn Smith, children; Donna Seely and husband Loran, Keitha McDougald and husband Andy, and Michael Smith; daughter-in-law Lynn Paulo. Grandchildren; Dr. Andrew Seely and wife Ashlie, Philip Seely and wife Micha, Corey McDougald and wife Chloe, Emory McDougald, and Aidan Smith; 7 great grandchildren, Astrid, Gus, Eastyn, Bowen, Annika, Gunner and Gavin; brothers Mack and wife Mary McGraw, Billy Wayne McGraw; sister Kathryn Peters; sister-in-law Wanda McGraw and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Visitation will be Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at Central Baptist Church in Blooming Grove from 10:00- 11:00 am. Funeral Service will follow at 11:00 am with Bro. Darren Heil officiating. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Blooming Grove. Pallbearers include Tim Brown, Dr. Andrew Seely, Phil Seely, Corey McDougald, Emory McDougald, and Aidan Smith. Honorary Pallbearers include Chris Brown, David Peters, Jeff McGraw, Todd McGraw, Kasey McGraw, Tim McGraw, G. Scott McGraw, Kyle McGraw, Travis McGraw, and Charlie McGraw. For those wishing to make donations, the family is asking that they be sent to the Central Baptist Church- Building Fund, P.O. Box 286, Blooming Grove, Texas 76626.

Laura Jane McGraw Smith

January 19, 1939 - June 8, 2024