Bobbie Wanda Smith

Bobbie Wanda Smith, a beacon of resilience and love, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2024, at the age of 102, in San Antonio, Texas. Born on September 4, 1921, in Waxahachie, Texas, Bobbie's life was a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of determination.

Bobbie was a woman who always believed she could make a difference in the lives of her family, friends and clients. Despite having limited formal education, she possessed innate common sense and wisdom gleaned from real-life experiences at an early age. These qualities served her well throughout her life, especially in her professional endeavors.

As an accomplished real estate broker, Bobbie earned prestigious CRS and GRE designations and was a top sales agent for the Guy Chipman Company. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish her own successful brokerage firm, Bobbie Smith Realty. Her passion for her work was evident, as she maintained her license until approximately the age of 100, making her one of the oldest, if not the oldest, licensed brokers in the State of Texas.

Bobbie's interests were as diverse as they were passionate. As a young woman she loved to roller skate—in fact that is how she met her husband, but that was soon put aside as she focused on raising her family. Widowed at the age of 53, she had little time for hobbies. However, in her later years, she found time to pursue some of her interests. In her 70s and early 80s, she took up competitive ballroom dancing, winning many first-place trophies and ribbons. Her artistic journey continued into her 80s and 90s as she took up painting, mostly focusing on landscape scenes. And despite arthritic, crippled hands, Bobbie began taking piano lessons in her mid-late 90s.

Bobbie's family was the center of her universe, and she was a strong, independent woman who championed the underdog. She met life's challenges head-on and loved her children more than anything. Her life goal was to ensure that her children had more opportunities than she had been afforded, a goal she pursued with relentless dedication as evidenced in part by the careers and advanced education of her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by a loving family that includes her daughters, Wanda Henry and husband Bill, Tanya Power and husband Kent; sons Ken Smith and wife Brenda, Darryl Smith and wife Akiko, and son-in-law George Lister. Bobbie's legacy continues through her cherished grandchildren, Jason Mackey and wife Molly, Michelle Ferris and husband David, Jacob Lister, David Lister and wife Shala, Emily Smith and husband Nick Chavez, Erika Smith, Luke Smith, Bobbie Radla, Rachel Radla, Teddy Power, Katie Smith, and Sarah Smith; her adored great-grandchildren, Quinn Mackey and Lochlann Mackey; and many nephews, nieces and cousins.

Bobbie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Kenneth Smith; her father, Harvey Fuller; her mother, Ocie Jacobs; her brother, Leroy Fuller; half-sisters, Mitzi Roseland and Beth Jacobs; half-brothers, Tommy and Jack Jacobs; and her daughter, Sandra Kay Lister.

Bobbie's life was a journey of love, perseverance, and triumph. Her memory will be cherished and kept alive by the countless lives she touched with her wisdom and the enduring impact she made on her family and community. Bobbie Wanda Smith's story is one of a life well-lived and well-loved, and she will be deeply missed by all privileged to have known her.

A visitation for Bobbie will be held Tuesday, August 20, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Sunset North Funeral Home, 910 North Loop 1604 East, San Antonio, TX 78232. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Trinity Baptist Church, 319 E Mulberry Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The ALS Association, The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Association, Trinity Baptist Church of San Antonio, or a non-profit of your choice.