1931
2017
Lela Faye Townsend Smith, 86, passed away on Monday, September 11, 2017 in Hamilton.
Service will be Friday, September 15, 2017, 2 PM at Riley Funeral Home Chapel followed by a burial at Murphree Cemetery in Evant.
Faye was born February 26, 1931 in Evant, the youngest of five children of Joe G. and Lillie Hunziker Townsend. Her Townsends were among the early pioneers of Hamilton County, as they arrived at their ranch west of Evant in the 1870s. Her mother's family were early settlers of Burnet County.
Faye was baptized at the Fairview Baptist Church in Evant when she was 12 and graduated from Evant High School in 1949. She worked at Montgomery Ward in Fort Worth for a time after graduating high school. On January 18, 1953, she married William Oliver Smith of Evant. The couple farmed and ranched on the Smith place just west of Evant and two sons were born to the marriage.
Faye was well-known for her arts, crafts, and cooking skills. Her coconut cream pies and fried chicken, along with her Christmas fudge and divinity were family favorites. She also enjoyed quilting and spoiling her grandson.
She is preceded in death by her husband; parents; sister, Myrtle Zeptner; and brother, Cecil Townsend.
Survivors include her sons, Kenneth C. Smith of Evant, Ronnie J. Smith and wife, Stephanie of Arlington; grandson, Charles W. Smith of Arlington; sisters, Annie Mae Reimche of Oklahoma City and Bertie Millsap of Waco; several nieces and nephews; and cousin, Roy D. Townsend of Gatesville.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Hamilton Health Care Center, the staff of Solaris Hospice, and Dr. Charles Johnson for the kind care that our mother received during the past year.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Riley Funeral Home.
3 Entries
September 13, 2017
Family
Kelly Cumby - Jackson
I have fond memories of Great Aunt Faye. From precious baby blankets she made for myself and in later years my children to visiting with her at the ranch in Evant. Kenny and Ronnie please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
September 13, 2017
She was well loved and always brought a smile to my face with her spunky attitude and awesome laugh. I will remember her with a smile.
September 12, 2017
Roy & Ethel Mae Townsend
Our prayers and thoughts are with you Kenny and Ronnie during this sad time in your lives. We loved your Mother very much and love you two also...God Bless You in your time of grief
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