Thelma Dell Smith

Thelma Byerly Smith, 85, went home to be with our Lord on Tuesday, March 6, 2018. She was born on February 1, 1933 to Ladema and Jesse Byerly. She was a native of Beaumont, Texas and grew up in Vidor, Texas. Visitation will be held at Memorial Funeral Home in Vidor, Texas on Thursday, March 8, 2018 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Funeral service will be held on Friday, March 9, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at the same place.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, J.V. Byerly, Bill Byerly, Ernest Byerly and her sisters Alice Baker and Dorthy Rousell. She is survived by her husband, James Tilman Smith of Mauriceville, daughters Karen Egulf, husband Ernest, Pam Leger, husband Jay of Mauriceville, Connie Bond, husband Rob of Little Cypress, 7 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Steve Byerly of Little Cypress. Thelma was a member of the Mauriceville Church of Christ. She was a devout and faithful christian who truly lived a godly life. She taught bible class for many years and loved singing gospel songs with her brothers and sisters in Christ. Thelma was an amazing cook and hosted many gatherings in her home. For many years, Thelma was a substitute teacher for the Vidor Independent School District, then worked as a secretary for the Beaumont Enterprise and later owned and managed a Montgomery Ward catalog store in Fort Stockton, Texas. Thelma was a wonderful loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, who gave wonderful hugs to everyone. She was loved by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. The family would like to thank Molly Stringer for her above and beyond loving care for our mother. Also, we would like to thank Jessica, Leslie and the Altus staff for their devoted care.