Shirley Louise Smith

Shirley Louise Lee Smith passed away peacefully on September 29, 2020, just days shy of her 85th birthday. A celebration of life will be held Monday, October 5th at 11:00 a.m. at Wade Family Funeral Home. Visitation will be on Sunday, October 4th from 2-4 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be at a later date at the DFW National Cemetery with her husband Bob, who passed away on June 2nd of this year. Shirley was born on October 3, 1935 in Wichita Falls, TX to Ernest and Clara Lee, weighing in at only 5 pounds. Her dad said she could have fit in a shoe box she was so tiny! The family moved to California for a few brief months when she was 8 years old, but then returned to live in Iowa Park. Shirley's desire was to play bass drum in the high school marching band, but due to her short stature, she could not see over that big drum. So, she played snares and became quite accomplished. Shirley met the love of her life, Bobby, in Iowa Park and the couple would elope her senior year of high school during Christmas break, and kept the secret until she graduated from Iowa Park High School in May of 1954. Bob's desire to attend medical school took the young family--Bob, Shirley and Jeanne born in 1955--to Kirksville, Missouri. Shirley worked at Southwestern Bell Telephone to put Bob through medical school, while also giving birth to Steve in 1958 and then Lisa in May of 1962. With Lisa just 3 weeks old, the family of 5 moved to Arlington, TX where they would open a family practice that would span 56 years. Shirley became a stay at home mom, becoming very active in PTA (earning a life-time membership), leading a Girl Scout troop and carpooling to Fort Worth for years during Steve's time with the Texas Boys Choir. Shirley also found time to support Bob's involvement with the Arlington Rotary Club, the Osteopathic wives Atlas Club and eventually his interest and love of wine---which also became her love! There was a good bit of travel in this endeavor which probably led to her becoming a travel agent for 35+ years, spending most of that time with Dan Dipert Travel. Shirley traveled the world and became very proficient at helping clients plan their dream vacations. In 2003 she suffered a heart attack and sadly retired. This gave her more time for the grandchildren AND her real love--the Arlington Woman's Club Performing Arts Department. Shirley's Bible study connection at First Baptist Church in Arlington, The Joy Class, was of great importance to her. She was a very devoted and faithful member until she could no longer attend. Shirley's health began to deteriorate in the last months after suffering a fall and broken hip. But through it all, she loved her family and loved them well. Shirley was preceded in death by the love of her life, Dr. Bobby G. Smith on June 2, 2020. She is survived by a daughter Jeanne Hamilton (Lawrence), a son Steven Smith (Patricia), a daughter Lisa White, grandchildren Aaron Hamilton (Tiffany), Adam Hamilton (Wendy), Laura Fitzwater (Dale), Jon Smith (Kelly), Jacob Smith (Rhea), Spencer White and Jenna White. Great-grandchildren are Julianna, Hannah, Connor, Joshua, Benjamin, McKenna, Noah, Ian, Austen, Maddie, and Jonah. Shirley is also survived by a sister Melva Clark (Larry) of Watauga and brother Kenneth Lee (Jolene) of Iowa Park. Please consider a donation to Mission Arlington in lieu of flowers. Wade Family Funeral Home (817) 274-9233