Melinda Whitington Smith

Melinda Whitington Smith, age 63, of Simms, Texas, passed away on November 3, 2025, at a local hospital, surrounded by family. She was born September 10, 1962, to Thomas and Johnnie Whitingon, as the youngest of 3 siblings by a 15-year gap.

She was a retired Registered Nurse and spent many years traveling to meet and take care of her patients in the comfort of their own homes. She was a fiercely devoted daughter and a loving sister, aunt and friend. She loved camping and fishing and being out in nature. She inherited her love for the Dallas Cowboys from her Mama and her huge sense of independence from her Daddy. She enjoyed gardening and carrying on traditions in cooking and canning she learned in her Mama's kitchen. In recent years, she could often be found kicked back in her recliner watching original episodes and marathon repeat episodes of Yellowstone.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Reverend J. W. and Maud Ragan; her paternal grandparents, Edgar and Ilah Whitington; her parents; her brother, Robert Lovell, Jr. and many well-loved pets.

Left to cherish her memory is her devoted partner in life, Richard Norris; her sister, Johnnie Hansen; her nieces, Rhonda Cook, Donna Cooper, Jennifer Ashmore and Melody Price; her nephew, Robert Lovell, III; several great-nieces and great-nephews; her cat, Tooter; and many cousins, extended family members and friends.

Visitation will be held in the chapel at Bates-Rolf Funeral Home in New Boston, Texas, on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

A graveside going home service will be held at the Old Union Cemetery pavilion in Simms, Texas, on Thursday, November 6, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., with Bro. Steve Minter officiating. She will be laid to rest at her Daddy's feet in Old Union Cemetery on the anniversary of his passing under the direction of Bates-Rolf Funeral Home.

To send a flower arrangement in memory of Melinda Whitington Smith, please click here to visit our sympathy store.