Mona Joye Smith

Mona Joye Swanson Smith was born on February 26, 1930 to Iona Murray Swanson and George Julius Swanson in Mt. Jewett, PA. She attended and graduated from Hamlin Township School where she met her future husband in third grade. Mona participated in the Glee Club, Band and was on the year book staff. Mona married William Carl Smith on September 8, 1951 at the home of her parents. They began their 22 years in the military traveling to Germany, Oklahoma, Texas, Pennsylvania, Colorado, and Minnesota.

Mona and Bill were the proud parents of 9 children which were known as “The Human Encyclopedias”, from their many travels. The family moved to Plano, Texas in 1968. With the many children she was active in the “Lutheran Church, Boy Scouts, a Brownies leader and made sure she attended her children’s sporting events, choir programs and field trips. Mona also volunteered at Plano Medical Center and the Mt. Jewett Swedish Smorgasbord. Mona was a florist by trade. She designed many bridal arrangements and floral designs in the Dallas and Plano area for the Corner House. She and her husband also found time to square dance with the “Plano Squares” and ballroom dancing. She loved ceramics, sewing, cooking, gardening, and camping trips with her family. After retirement she and her husband enjoyed traveling with the RV and spending time in Mt. Jewett.

Mona was a beacon for love and friendship. Whether it was her family or friends, her home was always open and you could find a cup of coffee with some good conversation at any time. Her greatest joy was her annual family Christmas party, which grew from 10 to 65 over the years. She loved her growing family and delighted in the laughter and love in her home.

Mona is preceded in death by a daughter Kathleen Ruth, her parents Iona and George Swanson and Sister Dorothy Marie Howard. Mona is survived by husband William “Bill” Smith and her children son; Lee Martin Smith and wife Nonglux “Dang” Smith of Ft. Walton Beach, FA. Son; Timothy Carl Smith of Plano, TX. Son; William “Tinker” George Smith and wife Wendy Smith of Ramona, CA. Daughter; Marie Elizabeth Wooten and husband James N. Wooten of Plano, TX. Daughter; Karen Suzanne Smith-Rosamond of Plano, TX. Daughter; Mona “Toodles” Joanne Smith-Turner of Plano, TX. Daughter; Melanie Grace Green of Durant, OK. Son; James Emil Smith and wife Julie M. Smith of Durant, OK. A brother; George Murray Swanson and wife Bernadine Swanson of Mt. Jewett, PA. 20 Grand children, 23 Great Grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers Michael Smith, James D. Wooten, Joshua Smith, Jordon Smith, James Joseph Smith, Jeff T. Turner, Ryan Green, Keith Smith, Carl Smith all grandsons of Mona.