Fay Dublin Smith

Wonderful wife, Mama, Granny and friend, Fay Dublin Smith passed away on June 7, 2012. She will be missed but her memory will be cherished with love by her big family and the many people whose lives she touched. Fay was born to Elizabeth and Ben Dublin May 31, 1925 in Midland, Texas which would be her lifelong home. After graduating from Midland High School, Fay attended North Texas State for a year. Music was always a big part of her life. She was a wonderful pianist and sang beautifully, playing and singing at school, church and social functions. She was regularly called on to perform at the First Presbyterian Church where she was a member. On October 26, 1946 Fay married the love of her life, James R. (J.R.) Smith, also a lifelong Midland resident. As was tradition at the time, Fay joined her new husband as a member of First United Methodist Church. This was the beginning of years of service and friendship as she became more involved in her new church home. Her love of music was a key part of her commitment as she played piano for various Sunday School Classes and sang in the Chancel choir. She and J. R. were faithful members of the Fellowship Sunday School Class and volunteered for children’s, youth and Golden Agers programs. They also served as drivers for Meals on Wheels. Fay was a member of the Midland Audubon Society and was an avid bird watcher, a pleasure she passed on to her family. She spent many happy hours watching the birds in her yard and was thrilled to help family and friends identify any new birds they sighted. Fay and J.R. were blessed with 5 children to whom she was totally devoted. She was always busy keeping track of scout meetings, Little League games, PTA meetings and the piano lessons, choir practice and band through which she passed on her love of music. She also loved cooking for her big family and friends. Always thinking of others, Fay turned her cooking skills into service often providing meals for those who were not able to cook for themselves. As her children got older, Fay was able to go back to being more involved in the music she loved. She returned to the Chancel choir, played in the hand bell choir and played piano for any Sunday School class that needed her. Fay became even more involved in the church music program when she became secretary for the Director of Music. This was a position she happily filled for 30 years. Fay was preceded in death by her husband, J. R. Smith and her brother James R. Dublin. She is survived by sister-in-law, Cleo Dublin and a loving family of children, Pat Pruitt and husband, David; Don Smith and wife, Nancy; Bill Smith and wife, Tammy; Bob Smith and wife, Shelia; and Kay Baker and husband, Marvin. Ten grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren also survive: Jennifer Bingo and husband, Kyle; Danny Smith and wife, Jenny; David Smith and wife, Marissa; Will Smith and wife, Casey; Elizabeth Smith; Kimberly Smith; Michael Smith; Betsy McKeller and husband, Michael; Emily Baker and Caroline Baker as well as great grandchildren, Ingrid and Hugo Smith and Sydney and Peyton Smith. Fay also has 3 step grandchildren and 6 step great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews who she dearly loved. Her visits with all these family members usually ended with her saying, “I love you so tight”. The family would like to extend a special thank you Becky, Sandy, Eva, and all of the Hospice of Midland Staff. Visitation will be held 5:00 – 7:00 PM at Ellis Funeral Home on Sunday, June 10, 2012. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 Noon on Monday, June 11, 2012 at First United Methodist Church. Pallbearers will be Danny Smith, David Smith, Will Smith, Michael Smith, Michael McKeller and Glen Ross Ladd. Members of the Fellowship Class of First United Methodist Church will be honorary pallbearers. Arrangements are under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home of Midland. Condolences may be offered at: www.ellisfunerals.com. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to be made to the First United Methodist Church, 300 N. Main; Midland, TX 79701.