Iva Jo Smith

Iva Jo “Granny” (Byrd) Smith went to be with the Lord on Friday, June 8th, 2012 after battling various illnesses. Iva Jo was born on April 19, 1931 in Clemscot, OK to Dow and Ethel Byrd. Iva Jo was born into a family of six brothers and sisters: Buster, Lloyd, Opal, and Barbara who preceded her in death, and D.J. Byrd of Davis, OK and Mona Sue Elliott of Bakersfield, CA., who are still living. This wonderful family later lived in Wirt, OK where the children attended Dundee Schools except Lloyd who was handicapped from birth. Later on, they moved to Healdton, OK and attended the East Healdton Church of Christ, where Iva Jo was baptized into Christ at the age of 14 and was a faithful Christian until her death at the age of 81 years, 1 month, and 20 days old.

Iva Jo was married to C.A. Smith in Glendora, CA on February 14, 1953 and was a naval wife for almost three years. They later moved back to Healdton, OK where they lived until 1956 and had their first child Connie Jo, who married the late Dyke Culp. Together, Connie and Dyke had 4 lovely children Kyndall, who is married to Drew Baze of Tyler, TX, Landon, Katlyn, and Kallie Jo. In 1957, they moved to Andrews, TX where Dale was born in 1959. Dale married Sabrina Harp and to this union they had two precious girls, April and Ashly. Then, in 1961 Randall was born and later married Tammy McMillon. Together, Tammy and Randall had three lovely children Colten, Layten, and Carlee. Iva Jo and C.A. also cared for and looked closely after their nephew Kim Byrd upon his move to Odessa following his father’s death in 1994. Iva Jo is survived by her husband, children, grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, along with a multitude of brothers and sisters in Christ and a host of friends throughout several states. Iva Jo’s deep love and commitment to her family prompted she and C.A. to move to Odessa, TX in December of 2011 in order to be closer to their family. She was fortunate enough to spend the last six months in her “dream home” cherishing the time spent with her family and friends.

Iva Jo will be remembered as the most devoted, loving, and affectionate wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. More than anything, she was known for her unconditional love and selflessness. Iva Jo left her friends and family with so many precious memories: her annually requested Christmas song before opening presents, her unforgettable cheesecake, her infamous sayings of “oh me,” “you’re a P-I-L-L,” “mercy,” and “well…,” as well her showering of hugs and kisses with each greeting. Above all, Iva Jo taught her friends and family such invaluable life lessons as how to love BIG, the value of contentment, and to give all of ourselves. She adored her family and friends and considered it a priceless and sacred treasure. This wonderful woman has gone on to receive a reward far beyond what we can imagine but she will forever be remembered in our hearts and minds until we are able to one day join her in heaven. It can truly be said that Iva Jo left a beautiful legacy and lived a full life. She “fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. Now there is a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day….” (2 Timothy 4:7-8).

Visitation will be Sunday, June 10th at Frank W. Wilson Funeral Home in Odessa, TX 6-8pm. Services will also be held at Frank W. Wilson Funeral Home on Monday, June 11th at 3 pm. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Memorials can be made to Southside Church of Christ, P.O. Box 1171, Andrews, Tx. 79714; and Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation, www.arthritis.org.