Julia Irene Oppelt

Julia Irene Smith Oppelt

September 13, 1930 – October 29, 2025

Julia Irene Smith Oppelt, 95, of Houston, Texas, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

She is survived by her three children, Julie, Jody, and Russell (Joanna); daughter-in-law, Pam; her grandchildren, Jenna (Brendan), Sheena, Cody, Bailey (Jackson), Brennen (Shelby), Kendall (Jackson), and Mason (Ben); and her great-grandchildren, Gunner, Maggie Jo, Beaux, Truett, and Lillian Irene, with two more on the way. She is also survived by her brother, Walter Smith, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who loved her deeply.

Irene was born in San Antonio, Texas, to Elbert Ode and Hilda Smith, the only daughter among six children. She was a proud descendant of Jefferson Davis Smith, who, as a child, was captured by Native Americans and raised for a time by Geronimo-a story known as The Boy Captives.

A devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Irene lived a full and joyful life. She owned and operated her own insurance agency and volunteered with the Harris County Fair. Even after retirement she never slowed down. Irene had an adventurous spirit and loved to travel, visiting destinations all over the world-China, Japan, Thailand, Guam, Europe, Hawaii, Alaska, and Mexico, to name a few. She was a natural socialite, always eager to strike up a conversation and make new friends wherever she went.

Her greatest joy, however, was spending time with family. She faithfully attended countless sporting events, band performances, cheerleading events, gymnastics meets, drill team performances, beauty pageants, and horse shows-always cheering the loudest for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. To say the least, she was always their biggest supporter.

Irene was an avid fan of the Houston Astros and Texans and was known for keeping everyone updated on the latest scores. Holidays were never complete without her famous dressing, sweet potato casserole, and Italian cream cake. She loved sharing laughter over a glass (or two) of wine-or a margarita and in the day a White Russian -with friends and family.

In recent months, Irene made her home at Morada Assisted Living, where she quickly made new friends and earned the title of "Domino Queen."

To say she will be greatly missed is an understatement. Irene leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and family. We find comfort in knowing she is now in Heaven, surrounded by loved ones, watching over us and continuing to cheer us on. She will forever remain in our hearts.

Services will be held on Monday, November 10, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Cypress-Fairbanks Funeral Home, 9926 Jones Road, Houston, TX 77065. Attendees are invited to share memories over refreshments after the memorial service.