Pearlie Mae Smith

Pearlie Mae "Murl" Smith 82, of Midland, passed away on Friday, January 25, 2013 at her residence. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday, January 27, 2013 from 5:00-7:00PM. Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 28, 2013 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Chapel at 2:30PM with Pastor Gayle Reeves officiating. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park. She was born on November 26, 1930 in Blackwell, Texas to Lewis and Opal Shaffer. She came to Midland in May of 1947 to visit an aunt. She met and married Leonard G. Smith on July 26, 1947. They were married for 65 years, and still in love. She was a loving wife, mother, and homemaker. She taught herself to play the piano and accordion. In 1953 she wrote a song that was published and recorded. She taught her children music. The older three children, The Smith Trio, often sang in churches, on the radio and area wide events. Above all she taught her children to love and honor God and his word. She taught them this by her own example. She loved her family and put her heart into being the best 'home' maker. She was a wonderful cook, seamstress, teacher, hairdresser, artist, and musician. She taught Sunday School, Children's Church, and was the Christ Ambassador (Youth) leader. She will be missed SO much by her loving family. The great legacy she gave her family will continue. The children and grandchildren still serve the Lord and serve the churches they attend with the music she passed on. She is survived by her loving husband Leonard Smith, her four children, Laura Powell, Marcia Stinson, Terry Smith, Lanita Newberry, 3 sisters and 3 brothers, 9 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren. Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com