Amanda Johnson "Mandy" Smith

In Loving Memory of
Amanda "Mandy" Johnson Smith
February 8, 1982 – October 24, 2025
Amanda "Mandy" Johnson Smith was born on February 8, 1982, to Armando and Maria Johnson. She passed away on October 24, 2025
Mandy is survived by her beloved husband, Brandon Smith, and their two sons, Lincoln and Braxton Smith. She also leaves behind her loving mother, Maria Johnson; her sister, Sandy (Bryant) Johnson; niece, Ariel; nephew, Avery; and her bonus sister, Katie Stefaniak Prior.
She is also survived by her mother-in-law, Kathy Farris; father-in-law, Richard Smith; sister-in-law, Kelli Smith; and niece, Layla.
Mandy will be deeply missed by her maternal aunt, Patricia (Derek) Perales, and maternal uncle, Pedro Salinas Jr.; her paternal aunts, Josefina Lopez and Nora (Isidro) Martinez; and paternal uncles, Salvador (Vicenta) Johnson, Juan (Maria) Johnson, and Domingo Johnson. She was blessed with a large extended family, including over 50 cousins, each of whom she loved dearly.
She is preceded in death by her father, Armando Johnson; uncles Merced Johnson, Jesus Johnson, and David Salinas; aunt Sandra Guajardo; Cousin Domingo Johnson Jr.; maternal grandparents Pedro Salinas Sr. and Petra Salinas; and paternal grandparents Merced Johnson and Teresa Johnson.
A Life Full of Family, Joy, and Devotion
As a child, Mandy attended Francis Elmer's Daycare and later Stewart Elementary, where she studied from kindergarten through 5th grade.
Mandy had the kind of childhood every kid dreams of. She grew up in a close-knit neighborhood where all the children knew each other, and the days were filled with laughter, adventure, and imagination. She was always trying to keep up with her big sister and their "cool" bonus sister, Katie. Together with their neighborhood friends, Mandy spent endless hours dancing, putting on plays, patrolling for pets, and-her favorite-riding bikes from sunrise to sunset.
Summers were spent in Mirando City with cousins who became lifelong friends. These visits were among the happiest memories of her life. Year after year, she and her sister were dropped off for the summer, and it never felt like enough time with her beloved cousins.
In junior high, Mandy began forming friendships that would last a lifetime. Through sports and school activities, those connections only grew stronger-many of them lasting more than 30 years.
High school brought some of Mandy's most joyful memories. She loved capturing life's moments and was rarely seen without a camera in hand. She was proud to be part of the Class of 2000-a spirited, competitive group that gave it their all, even as freshmen vying for the coveted spirit stick! She played volleyball and soccer, but the friendships she built on and off the field were what she treasured most.
After graduation, Mandy and one of her best friends, Britney moved to San Marcos, where she attended Austin Community College and explored different jobs while trying to discover her true calling. Eventually, she returned home and enrolled at Sam Houston State University. Her time at SHSU was incredibly fulfilling, and the friendships she made there remained some of the strongest in her life. She graduated in May 2009 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a minor in Early Childhood Education.
Shortly after, Mandy began her teaching career at Gibbs Pre-K Center in Huntsville ISD. She poured her heart into her work, nurturing young minds with love, creativity, and patience. Every year, she was thrilled to have the children of former classmates in her class or around campus. Gibbs held a special place in Mandy's heart-not just for the children she taught, but for the colleagues who became like family over her 11 years there.
Always striving to grow, Mandy returned to school at SHSU and earned her master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction in August 2020.
She then transitioned to Willis ISD, joining the Roark Early Education Center, where she spent the next five years teaching, building lifelong friendships, and, courageously, enduring the unthinkable-cancer. Roark became more than just a workplace; it was her lifeline. The people there supported her through her journey, and she considered them an extension of her family. In time, Mandy chose to step away from the classroom to focus entirely on her own family with the time she had left.
A Love Story
In the fall of 2010, Mandy met Brandon at a friend's house-an unexpected moment that sparked a beautiful love story. It didn't take long for them to realize they were meant for each other. Brandon proposed on April Fool's Day-but this love was no joke! After a short engagement, they married in a joyful ceremony at Cameron Park Zoo in Waco, a place they both cherished.
Soon after their wedding, they were thrilled to learn they were expecting their first child. The joy of welcoming a baby boy into the family was overwhelming, and Mandy knew her parents would be so proud to see a grandson in their family. In 2017, their second son, Braxton, arrived-completing their little family. Mandy, once a self-proclaimed tomboy, was overjoyed to be raising two boys. It was the best job she was ever tasked with. Her two boys were her pride and joy!
Family was everything to Mandy. She and Brandon spent nearly all their time with their sons, fully immersed in the joys and duties of parenthood. Whether it was school drop-offs, soccer practice, or Awanas club at Fellowship of Huntsville Church-Mandy was there. And on the days, she couldn't be, she always knew Brandon would step in. The life of a teacher sometimes meant missing events, but Mandy's pride came from watching her boys thrive in school, grow in faith, playing soccer and embrace the values she held dear.
In 2024, Mandy and Brandon fulfilled a lifelong dream by taking their sons to Disneyland. Just one day after a chemo treatment, she flew out determined not to let anything stand in her way. With the help of a dear friend, they managed to pack 19 magical hours into two unforgettable days-creating memories that would last a lifetime.
Mandy and Brandon built a life full of love, laughter, and partnership. Through the highs and lows, sickness and health, joy and hardship-they truly lived their vows. Their life together was more than Mandy ever dreamed of.
A Lasting Legacy
Mandy lived a life filled with joy, love, and unwavering devotion. She was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, teacher, and friend-but more than anything, she was a light in the lives of those who knew her. Her kindness, humor, and vibrant personality left a mark on the world, and her memory will be cherished forever.
A Heartfelt Thank You
To all the family, friends, coworkers, and prayer warriors who have been with us from day one-thank you for standing in the gap.
Words cannot fully express the depth of our gratitude. You carried us when we didn't think we could go on. You prayed for us when we felt lost and without hope. Because of your love and support, we've made it this far.
Mandy would be so touched to see all of you come together to celebrate her life.
A memorial celebration will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025 at 10:30 AM at Fellowship of Huntsville Church on Hwy 30. Memorial condolences to the family may be made at www.shmfh.com.
In Loving Support
In lieu of flowers, if you would like to support Lincoln and Braxton's college fund, contributions can be made in one of the following ways:
• By Check: Please make checks payable to Amanda Smith, Walker County Federal Credit Union, 1802 Normal Park Dr, Huntsville, TX 77340.
• Via Venmo: @Brandon-Smith-01329
Thank you for your generosity and support. As many of you know, Mandy was deeply passionate about education, and nothing would honor her more than helping ensure her boys have a bright future.