Wanda Jeanette Smith

Wanda Jeanette Smith August 3, 1948 – January 18, 2025

Wanda Jeanette Smith, 76, of Dayton, Texas, passed away on January 18, 2025. Wanda was born on August 3, 1948, in Dayton, Texas, to I.D. Smith, Jr. (Happy Jack) and Willie Ernestine Graham. Throughout her life, Wanda overcame many challenges. Born with polio and told she would never walk, she defied the odds and surpassed every life expectancy placed before her.

In 1977, Wanda became one of the first students of a school formed by four women in a garage, which would later become Tri-County Services. She attended the school until about five years ago, where she learned valuable life skills, including cutting with scissors, a passion she developed to the point of cutting up quilts and other items, much to the amusement of her family.

Wanda's animated personality and lively spirit made her a joy to be around. She loved spending time with her nieces, often chasing them around the house and playfully pulling their pigtails. Although she couldn’t communicate through speech, her expressions and enthusiasm were a testament to the depth of her emotions. If Wanda loved you, she loved you with all of her heart.

She had a love for life’s simple pleasures, including dining out at her favorite Mexican restaurants, with queso being her favorite dish. Wanda also treasured her time at the Jingle Bell Ball in Liberty at the Elks Lodge, followed by a visit to Dairy Queen. She enjoyed attending Boy Scout meetings and events. These events helped create memories that her family will cherish forever.

Wanda was preceded in death by her parents, I.D. Smith, Jr. (Happy Jack) and Willie Ernestine Graham Smith, and brothers, Robert Smith and Roy Smith. She is survived by her sisters, Sandra Hopson, Willie Ann Rhame, Karen Bennight and husband Joe, Deborah Thompson and husband Benny, and Barbara White; cherished nieces and nephews, Celia Smith, Claudia White, Thomas Rhame, Michael Smith and Alana Smith; as well as numerous other nieces, nephews, family members, and friends.

Pallbearers for Wanda Smith will be Thomas Rhame, Michael Smith, Kevin Smith, Ryan Smith, Matthew Smith, and Hanna White.

A visitation will be held on Friday, January 24, 2025, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Pace Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Greenville Cemetery in Kenefick, Texas.

Wanda's life was one of perseverance, love, and joy, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.