  Jerry Dale Smith 3 November 1945 - 2 March 2005 Shirley Gail Smith 16 January 1947 - 3 February 2021  wed 1 October 1965  Shirley Gail Copley Smith, 74, of Tom Bean, beloved wife, mother mamaw, sister, aunt and teacher went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, February 3, 2021, after a courageous and hard-fought battle. Shirley was born in Sherman on January 16, 1947, daughter of Bill and Jackie Copley. She attended school in Sherman until the 7th grade when her family moved to Luella. She began the 8th grade at Tom Bean ISD where she graduated Salutatorian in 1965. While at Tom Bean, Shirley was the Homecoming Queen in 1964 as well as Miss TBHS. She attended East Texas State University (currently Texas A&M Commerce) where she graduated with her Bachelor's degree in education with certification in math and English. She married her high school sweetheart, Jerry Smith, on October 1, 1965 at her parent's home in Luella. Shirley began her career at Johnson and Johnson in Sherman and later worked at Texas Instruments. Later, as her girls started school, she became a teacher's aide at Tom Bean ISD, which led her to her lifelong calling of becoming a teacher. Shirley was a gifted teacher that impacted countless lives. She had a way to challenge the students that excelled also helping those who struggled to build their confidence and learn more than they believed they could. She had a special gift of seeing the strengths in all of her students. She was truly one of the sweetest people to ever walk this earth and was such a blessing and gift to everyone that knew her. Shirley's greatest joy was her family and friends. She enjoyed traveling with her husband, daughters, sons-in-law and 5 grandchildren. She enjoyed attending and supporting her grandchildren in their school and athletic activities. Her brother and sisters have always been her constant companions and best friends. They loved, fought, laughed and cried and embodied and taught the value to us of loyalty and the love of family. Her favorite "fishing" buddies were her cousins (who were not only first cousins but dear friends), Bobbie McAdoo, Lila Cox and Sally Harris. They all shared many fun trips up north and fun times together. She is survived by her daughter, Kerri England and husband, Mark, of Sherman; daughter, Courtney and husband, Steve, of Howe; grandchildren, Jordan Reeves and husband, Andy, of Sherman; Morgan England of Sherman; Madeline Bono and husband, Kyle, of Howe; Katy Courtney and Cade Courtney of Howe; great -grandchildren, Lincoln and Quinn Reeves; Lila England and Knox Bono. Brother, Bill Copley,.Jr. of Sherman; sisters, Marion Williams of Tom Bean, and Donna Rodgers and husband, Albert, of Luella; brother-in-law, Terry Smith and wife, Sue, of San Antonio; sisters-in-law, Linda Cripps and husband, Larry, of Sherman; and Brenda Teas of The Woodlands; niece, Kiley Fleming and husband, Alan, of Tom Bean; nephews, Eric Rodgers and wife, Laura, of Melissa; B.J. Rodgers and wife, Kelly, of Savoy; Steven, Michael, Marc, David, Matthew Smith and families of San Antonio; nieces, Rhonda Tollett and family of S&S; and Gina Sousy and family of The Woodlands. Shirley leaves behind many cousins, great-nieces and great-nephews and an abundance of extended family and friends. Dear friends who were more like daughers, Kim Rink of Sherman and Paula Gilliam of Bells, Texas. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband; parents; father-in-law and mother-in-law, J.D. and Jewel Smith; brothers-in-law, Ralph Williams and David Teas; sisters-in-law, Barbara and Terri Copley; and nephew, Wayne Armstrong. The graveside service was held Sunday afternoon, February 7, 2021 at Holloway Cemetery in Luella, Texas. Arrangements were under the direction of Scoggins Funeral Home, Van Alstyne, Texas. - - - Scoggins Funeral Home  Holloway Cemetery Susan Hawkins © 2024 If you find any of Grayson CountyTXGenWeb links inoperable, please send me a message. |