Estee Smith

She is survived by her husband, Marvin Smith, sons; Marvin Smith III and wife Pat of Austin, Stanley Smith and wife Ann of Odessa, daughter, Liz Shelton and husband Mike of Odessa, ten grandchildren, Jessica Bermes, Marvin Smith IV, Ellen Smith, Reed Smith, Sam Smith, Dan Smith, Nathen Bieber, Christie Bieber, Austin Shelton, and Perry Shelton, cousins, Sedonia Kelso of Lawton, OK., and Johnny Klock of Bunkie, LA.

Estee and Marvin met in Monticello, Ark. in 1942 while she was working for the church playing piano for servicemen. They had a romance by letter for 6 years. During 1948 they both ended up in Dallas, TX. They were married, in Dallas at Marvin’s mother’s house on May 1, 1948. Recently they celebrated their 62nd anniversary. In 1952 they had their 1st son while stationed in Virginia Beach, VA. In 1953 when Marvin was discharged they moved to Odessa. Estee was active in many Odessa organizations. She served in the Medical Center Auxiliary, was one of the original members of the Odessa Jr. League, the Crystal Ball benefiting, Odessa’s MHMR, and her crowning achievement was her Co-founding for the Children’s Clothes Closet with her friend Corine Castillo in 1996. This charity has helped clothe thousands of school children since its inception.

Estee had many talents. Not only did she raise her 3 children but also ran numerous retail stores that she and Marvin opened over the years. In 1970 Marvin and Estee moved to the ranch in Midkiff where she immediately became Head Ranch Foreman. Fixing fences, working cattle and sheep and throwing bales of hay were common daily duties. She was one of very few that had several truck horns replaced on her truck from calling her livestock everyday. Her greatest joy on the ranch was sitting on the sun porch with grandchildren or friends watching the deer, turkeys, quail, guineas, and all wildlife.

Estee always had a kind word and open heart for all. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

Family will receive visitors from 6p.m.-8p.m. Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at Frank W. Wilson Funeral Directors. A Memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 12, 2010 at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Terry Tamplen officiating. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Children’s Clothes Closet in care of First United Methodist Church at 500 N. Lee Odessa, TX.

Services are entrusted to Frank W. Wilson Funeral Directors.