Addison Smith Obituary
On June 30, 2021, the Vail Church, Eagle Valley and Baylor communities suffered the loss of one of the most beloved young women known to thousands. Addison was welcomed home into the loving arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ, after passing from a tragic car accident . She was only 20 years old, but her deep love for God and every human being she met has left an unforgettable impact.
Addison was born in Las Cruces, New Mexico to Craig and Lenee (Woodard) Smith. Clovis grandparents are Roy and Peggy Woodard and Tucson grandparents are Addison and Eleanor Smith.
When the Smith family moved to Vail Colorado in May of 2006, Addison said, "Oh good, I thought I was going to have to grow up and move to Colorado on my own." She had a deep and undying love not only for the mountains but a passion for all God's creations. She graduated from Battle Mountain High as a gifted athlete and a strong academic. She completed two years of college at Baylor University where she was pursuing her undergrad degree in Biology with the intent of becoming a physical therapist. Her Baylor years included playing for the university's club soccer team and enjoying the many friendships as a member of the Chi-Omega sorority and StukMo College Ministry.
Addison had such an infectious personality that she showed her huge heart for people she met around the world. She spent time serving on mission trips in Africa and Costa
Rica. Her planned mission trip to Africa for this summer had just been cancelled because of Covid. Children were a passion of hers, and she loved caring for and serving them whether it was through coaching soccer, babysitting, teaching at church, or helping with the buddy mentor program.
Though she loved all, one of her greatest joys came from family. She was so proud of her parents and younger sisters, Kendelle and Presley, that she let them know how much she loved them regularly. Her love for her grandparents and other extended family was constantly exhibited. Her greatest love, however, was for Jesus. She chased after Him with a pure and passionate heart as evidenced by her Bible that is marked, noted, highlighted and underlined from beginning to end. All throughout her notes is the consistent theme of her desire for others to know the love of God in Christ. One means by which she grew to be such a bright light for God was her church communities (Vail Church in Avon, Colorado and Harris Creek Church in Waco, Texas). Those church families will reap the fruit of her influence for years to come.
Addison is survived by her parents; sisters; grandparents; aunts; uncles; cousins; and many extended members throughout the country. Her circle of friendship, love and influence included not just family but so many local and international families, friends, students, coaches and mentors in the Vail Valley, at Baylor University and around the world. Though the grief is immense, and she will be so dearly missed here on Earth, Addison is home now in the presence of the One she loved so dearly, King Jesus.
A Celebration of Life service was held on Saturday, July 24, 2021, at 10 a.m. at Battle Mountain High School gymnasium, Edwards, Colorado.
Published by Eastern New Mexico News from Aug. 12 to Aug. 15, 2021.