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Rachel Smith Obituary
Rachel Lee Rushing Smith was born October 10, 1935 in Woodville, Texas to H.I. and Thelma Gibson Rushing.
She left this world on August 18, 2015 to be with her Savior, Jesus Christ. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 62 years J.D. Smith; brother, John Rushing; sisters, Nancy Pfieffer and Chety Arnold.
Rachel is survived by daughters - Dianne Smith, Jerrye Pearce (husband Glen), Debbie Clark (husband James); Sons - David Smith (wife Janice), Leeland Smith, and Dwayne Smith (wife Terry); sisters, Barbara Collis, Judy Rice; and brother, Charlie Rushing.
Rachel enjoyed her many grandchildren Daniel Clark (wife Cortney), Brad Pearce (wife Ellen), Sabrina McKnight (husband David), Regina Clark, Steven Smith (wife Lauren), Christian Powell (husband Rick), Lindsey Smith (husband James), Annie Smith, Sarah Smith, Jonathan Smith, and Gracie Smith.
She has been blessed with 13 great grandchildren - Caitlin, Elijah, Josylin, Brooklyn, Addison, Davis, Pearce, Parker, Porter, Avree, Garrett, Chase and Kaylee who will join this team any day.
Rachel is also survived by many extended family members and great friends who have been such a joy in her life. A special thank you to her friends at Season's Hospice, Janett, Beverly, Tammy, Erin and Prescilla. You have made this journey with us so much sweeter.
Rachel was a 1953 graduate of Cleveland High School, then married Navy sweetheart J.D. She was a long time member of Calvary Baptist Church and the Gleaners Sunday School Class. After building a family of six she worked for Dr. Ganderillas for several years. Rachel also was a member of the Red Hat Club - Prissy Missys and served as chaplain of VFW Ladies Aux. 1839 for several years.
After retirement Rachel and J.D. spent their retirement years traveling and working with the Texas Baptist Builders and spending time with family and friends.
Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to the Ladies Auxiliary VFW Post 1839 or Calvary Baptist Church Lottie Moon Missions Fund.
Pallbearers: Daniel Clark, Brad Pearce, Steven Smith, Jonathan Smith, Ben Collis and Reggie Rice.
Officiating: Rev. Glen Pearce and Rev. Carl Williamson
Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Thursday, August 20, 2015 at Pace Stancil Funeral Home, Cleveland, Texas. Services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, August 21, 2015 at Pace Stancil Chapel, Cleveland, Texas.
Interment: Ryan Cemetery
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Rachel Smith
Gail Lilley
August 29, 2015
Rachel was a big part of my life growing up. Neighborhood part time "mom" to all of us kids, leader and teacher at church, and a friend forever. I know she was much loved and will be greatly missed by many. Prayers and hugs for her family.
Sharon Wall-Smith
August 24, 2015
It has been years since I have seen any of you. I do think of you often and remember the wonderful times we had. I love each of you. Prayers and much love.
August 22, 2015
My condolences to the Smith family. May you find much comfort in God's word at Matt. 5:4
Trish Jones
August 20, 2015
My heart, tears and prayers are with you. While it is a great joy to all of us to know that Rachel is more alive at this moment with Jesus that she ever was on this earth - the loss is great and grief is heavy. My love to all.
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Becky Neslony Beaty
August 20, 2015
Guys, I just heard about your mom. I am so sad and reminded that we should not let special people that have truly impacted our lives be just wonderful memories. I wish I had taken the opportunity to put my hands on her face and give her, and you guys, a big hug. You all are very special to me, although many year separate our visits, I feel like you all are my sisters. I love you all and will pray through my tears for the moments you pick up the phone expecting her voice, or you reach for that child and remember the precious moments she had with them. She was a precious earth angel and living her dreams right now in your daddy's arms. Wish I could be there to share this time of her life celebration with you. Love, love, love you.
Paula Neslony Ammerman
August 20, 2015
As children, Rachel and J.D. were so important in our lives and opened their already full home and hearts to us. I can still hear her unique laughter in my mind. What a blessing to have known her.
Cindy & Jeff Foxworth
August 19, 2015
Our prayers go out to The Smith Family. ..may God be with you during this time of loss.
Judy Smith Battenberg
August 19, 2015
While I mourn, Rachel joyfully entered the gates of heaven where she was welcomed into the arms of her loving husband. To my "other" brothers and sisters (Dianne, Jerrye, Debbie, David, Leeland and Dwayne) please know that me and my siblings are here for you always. We love you as our brothers and sisters as we loved your parents as our second parents. Even though we all have heavy hearts, Rachel is dancing in the streets of gold with her beloved husband as they rejoice with their Lord. She will be missed.
Rhonda & Robert Kinder
August 19, 2015
Rachel was very inspiring lady.Always had words of comfort. Very active with the Ladies Auxiliary when she was able .Will miss that smiling face.Praying for her family during this difficult time
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Pace-Stancil Funeral Home - Cleveland303 E. Crockett St., Cleveland, TX 77327
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