Norma Marie Finley Smith

Pace-Stancil Funeral Home
1304 North Cleveland
Dayton, Texas 77535
Ph: 936-258-5300 Fax: 936-258-5653
pacestancildayton@sbcglobal.net
Friday, October 08, 2010



Norma Marie Smith of Liberty, Texas passed away on October 7, 2010. Services for Mrs. Smith will be 2:00 p.m., Monday, October 11, 2010 at the First United Methodist Church in Liberty with interment to follow at Oak Shade Cemetery in Tarkington Prairie. Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Sunday evening at Pace-Stancil Funeral Home, Dayton.

Norma lived the majority of her 84 years in Liberty, Texas. She was born in Liberty September 18, 1926 to Jessie and Bruce Finley. Bruce was killed at a young age in an oilfield accident. Jessie later married Roy Lyons, and he became father to Norma for the rest of her life.

After high school, Norma attended nursing school and while working as a nurse in Mercy Hospital in Liberty, she was caring for Ida Donahue Smith, who was visited by her son on military leave, James Donald Smith. One ice cream social and a lifetime relationship was launched. They were married February 24, 1946 and spent their honeymoon in a cabin at “The Lakes” that is still preserved in their memory. Norma then supported Don as he attended dental school in Houston, then as they became solid citizens of the very special professional community in Liberty. Don and Norma enjoyed traveling, entertaining friends, Southwestern art and culture, and creating several real estate development enterprises. Norma “kept the books” for these enterprises, as no one else could decipher Don’s handwriting. Norma was quite active in First Methodist Church of Liberty and evolved as an unwavering and supportive friend to many in the community, and as a true matriarch to her growing family.

Norma and Don raised their three sons Jimmy, Michael, and Randy in Liberty throughout the idyllic childhood they secured for them. They were notably active supporters of sports such as football and track. Don passed away in 2004 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. They were happily married for 56 years. Norma was at Don’s side until has last moments on this earth.

Norma is survived by her brother Bruce Finley, with whom she maintained a very close relationship, and his wife Charlotte of St. Hedwig, Texas. Sons: Dr. James D. Smith, Jr. and wife, Helena, of Romayor, Texas; Mike Smith and wife, Donna, of Liberty, Texas; Randy Smith and wife, Cathi, of Mansfield, Texas. Grandchildren: Stacy Smith, Wyatt Smith and wife Jenna, Karrie Kristen Sherman and husband, Scott, and Michael Smith, and great grand-daughter Savannah Sherman.

Norma was known to all as a spirited, kind and loving woman who cared deeply for her friends and family. The most apt description that many people voiced about Norma was that she was “A Grand Lady”. She was that, indeed. What her family and friends will most remember is the unfailing emanation of deeply held love and acceptance that she invariably shared.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center or to the First United Methodist Church in Liberty.