Cleilda Jones Smith

Cleilda J. Smith went home to Jesus on January 6, 2024, at age 89.

She was born to Cleo and Hilda Jones on September 16, 1934, in Bowie, TX. She was the oldest of the family's three children.

Cleilda was an accomplished violinist throughout her childhood and into her college years. After graduating from Abilene Christian University, she met and married Bennie Charles Smith on August 9, 1958, in Snyder, Oklahoma. They went on to have four children, Brenda, Emily, Charles, and Paul. The Smith family moved from Amarillo, TX to Kansas City, KS to Petaluma, CA, and finally to Lubbock, TX where they spent the majority of their years together raising their children. She had many vocations throughout the years; homemaker, teacher, and secretary. Additionally, she earned a Master's in Biblical Studies from Lubbock Christian University in 1992. After their retirement in 1989, the couple traveled across the U.S. in their motor home, helping small churches as part of the Sojourners organization. She enjoyed many hobbies throughout her life, which included calligraphy, floral design, and painting.

She used many of her watercolor paintings to depict God's beautiful creation and show love to others. Many individuals in need of encouragement and support were recipients of her hand-painted watercolor cards.

Cleilda lived a long, fulfilled life and died peacefully at age 89.

She is preceded in death by her late husband Bennie Charles Smith, her parents Cleo and Hilda Jones, and her brother Thomas Jones. She is survived by her brother Mark Jones and his wife Lucy. Her four children and eight grandchildren also survive her.

They include her daughter Brenda Glass (Brad), and granddaughters Brianna Glass, Bridget Glass, and Brileigh Glass. Her daughter Emily Jones (Mike), and granddaughter Kristina Culpepper (Hunter). Her son Charles Smith (Michelle), and grandsons Braden Smith, and Bryce Smith. Her son Paul Smith (Tammy), and granddaughters Jordan Smith, and Kelsi Stewart (Kenny).

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation in honor of Cleilda Jones Smith, be given to Christian Relief Fund. It was her joy to support and sponsor many children throughout her life through this organization. Thank you.