Ella Gwendolyn (Gwen) Smith

Ella Gwendolyn (Gwen) Smith, 87, of Forney, TX, passed away May 26, 2019, at her home. She attended the Forney Independent School system and graduated in 1950. She married Billy Smith on September 1, 1950 and they were married for 60 years. She and Billy were farmers, growing cotton, wheat, and corn as well as having fruit trees and a garden. She was known for her homemade jelly, cakes and pies. She was a lifelong resident of the Forney area where she attended the First Baptist Church. She enjoyed socializing at the Forney Senior Center. Her favorite thing to do there was playing and calling their bingo games. She was a Past Matron of the Forney chapter of the Eastern Star and in the past few years attended the Mesquite Chapter. She recently received her 50 year membership pin.

She was preceded by her husband of 60 years, Billy Smith. Surviving Gwen is her son, Ret. Col. Bobby Smith and wife Nancy of Helotes, TX, daughter, Sally Walters and her husband Steve of Morehead City, NC, and son Ricky Smith of Forney, TX; grandchildren; Chief Master Sargent David Smith and wife Kasandra of San Antonio, Lt. Col. Brian Smith and wife Alisa of Helotes, TX, Brandon Walters and wife Heather of Chapel Hill, NC, Stephanie Matthews and husband Dustin of O’Fallon, MO, and 5 great-grandchildren.

Funeral service were held Saturday, March 30, 2019 at the Forney First Baptist Church Chapel with the Reverend Jerry D. Griffin officiating and Dr. Jimmy D. Pritchard assisting. Burial followed in the family plot at Hillcrest Cemetery, Forney, TX 75126.

Arrangements by Anderson Clayton Funeral Home, 301 West Nash St., Terrell TX 75160.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist church, 1300 College St., Forney, TX 75126.