Lavilla Smith

It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of our beloved Mother and Grandmother. Lavilla Christine Smith born on October 24, 1923 in Grand Saline, Texas passed from this life into eternity on November 14, 2024 in Dallas, Texas at 101 years old.

Lavilla, better known to her family as Mother and Grandmother, was the well-loved matriarch of her large close-knit family and will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Lavilla lived in Seagoville, Texas all her married and adult life, and was a woman of many talents. For thirty years she was a nurse in private practice for Dr. James C. Williamson, D.O. in Seagoville. She was well known in the community for her hard work, compassion, and dedication to patient care for those who visited "The Doctor” (as her family affectionately knew him).

She was a faithful member of the Seagoville Church of Christ until her age limited her ability to freely move about in the community. Even after being unable to attend worship services, she treasured news of her church family from friends who visited. She loved to sew and frequently made clothing for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was also a quilter making several quilts throughout the later years of her life that her family treasures dearly. Lavilla’s childhood was spent in the communities of Grand Saline, Texas, and Crandall, Texas. She graduated from high school in Crandall, Texas in the late 1930s and married Wylie B. Smith Sr shortly thereafter. Together they built the red brick house at the end of Seagoville Road, which still stands today, and raised their family for several generations.

A proud Mother and Grandmother, she loved spending time with her family and was most happy when everyone was gathered for a meal, birthday celebration, holiday, or Dallas Cowboys football game. She and her husband, Wylie had five children. At the time of her death, Lavilla had nine grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, and eight great-great-grandchildren. All of whom she knew and dearly loved.

Lavilla is survived by her daughters, Linda Sue Anderson of Garland, Texas, and Vickey Elaine Dees of Celeste, Texas, and her son Wylie Beckman Smith Jr of Wilmington, North Carolina; grandchildren, Phyllis Manis, Cynthia Montana (spouse Mike), Richard Dees (spouse Mary Beth), Jennifer Tenney (spouse Deven), Wylie David Manson Sr., Martin Cochrane, Lea Elkins (spouse David), Kacy Cochrane, and Wylie Beckman Smith III (spouse Elizabeth); great-grandchildren, Amber Kensinger, Rachel Robbins (spouse Brady), Matthew Montana (spouse Sarah), Emily Wilder (spouse Jonathon), Wylie David Manson Jr (spouse Rachel), Angela Alexander (spouse Derrick), Justin Dees, Alexis Jarvis (spouse Nathan), Shelby Huddleston (spouse Michael), Dylan Tenney, Sean Tyler Hamilton, Lauren Tenney, Aiden Elkins, Wylie Beckman Smith IV and Vivian Smith; great-great-grandchildren, Autumn Kensinger, Ava Kensinger, Ally Kensinger, Alijah Kensinger, Brooklyn Robbins, Luke Robbins, Truitt Jarvis, and Ezra Jarvis. She is also survived by her sister Nancy Stateler of Dallas and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

Lavilla is preceded in death by her husband, Wylie Beckman Smith Sr., her daughter Sheila Smith who died at birth; her daughter, Brenda Sue Cochrane, and her great-grandson Anthony Elkins. She is also preceded in death by her parents Otis and Dora Houston, and her siblings Hazel McGuffey, Boyd Houston, and Lloyd Houston.

A graveside memorial service will be held for Lavilla at Lee Cemetery in Seagoville, Texas on December 2, at 2:00 p.m.

Rest in peace, our dear Mother and Grandmother. You will forever be in our hearts and memories.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to either the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or the Scoliosis Research Society. Thank you for your love and consideration for Lavilla’s memory.