Lee Smith

In Loving Memory of Rosie "Lee" Smith

Rosie "Lee" Smith, age 82, went home to the Lord on December 25, 2025, after a long battle with vascular dementia.

Early Life and Education

Lee was born on August 8, 1943, to Ernest Burrow and Margeret Burrow (later Bartlett) in Grand Prairie, Texas. She attended Grand Prairie High School and, shortly after graduation, met and married Vernon Smith in 1962. The couple made their home in Dallas for many years and later, along with two daughters, settled in Farmers Branch, Texas. Demonstrating her commitment to lifelong learning, Lee earned a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior, Business, and Psychology in 1990 from the University of North Texas.

Professional Achievements

Following her doctoral studies, Lee maintained a private therapy practice for many years. She then transitioned into executive coaching, discovering her true calling. In the early 2000s, she cowrote curriculum for Coach University at a time when corporate coaching was still emerging. Her work helped educate those entering the field, and she eventually became a Senior Executive Coach. Lee was also a co-owner of CoachWorks International, which enabled her to travel the world, training and coaching numerous corporate executives and teams.

Later Career and Contributions

Lee later relocated from Texas to Woodinville, Washington, where she continued her coaching work. During this period, she cowrote two published books and served as an Adjunct Professor and Advisory Board Member at Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington. In 2013, Lee became the Coach Training Program Director for the University of Texas at Dallas, traveling frequently between states until her retirement in 2017. She returned to the Dallas area in 2020 to be closer to her family.

Personal Life and Legacy

Lee enjoyed quilting, sewing, attending Bible study and doing puzzles. Throughout her life, Lee's faith remained steadfast. She had a strong love for God and embodied her beliefs through teaching, service, and dedication to her family, leaving a legacy of leadership through Christ.

Family

Lee is survived by her daughter, Stacey Sembrick and husband Ron of Carrollton, Texas; daughter, Paula Reed and husband Greg of Royse City, Texas; grandchildren Nicholas Sembrick and wife Madi of Pflugerville, Texas; Natalee Moore and husband Layne of Little Elm, Texas; and Elle Sembrick of Farmers Branch, Texas; her great-grandson Marshall Moore; sisters Judy Hairgrove of Keller, Texas; Joy Wisner and husband Russ of Fort Worth, Texas; Merle Brockington and husband R.L. of Whitney, Texas; and Lavelle Harris and husband Weiland of Burleson, Texas; as well as many cousins, extended family, and friends both near and far.

In Remembrance

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made to the Texas SPCA in honor of Lee, reflecting her love for dogs. (SPCA.org)

Please leave the family condolences and share memories on this website.

Celebration of Life

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 4000 Midway Rd., Carrollton, Texas, on January 24, 2026, at 10:30 am.