Verla Mae

Smith

Verla Mae Jackson Smith was born March 16, 1927, near Wingate, Texas and passed away on May 5th, 2024 at her home in Blackwell, Texas at the age of 97.

At an early age, she and her family moved to Shep, Texas in a covered wagon with her parents Robert L and Stella Lee Jackson. Verla lived there until she married. While in Shep, she worked the farm with her parents hoeing cotton, heading maize, and tending milk cows. While working in the fields at age 10 her uncle came to inform her that she had twin sisters born, Gloria and Glendia Jackson.

Verla graduated from Blackwell High School and met the love of her life, Cecil Smith at a dance and bull sale at the White Hat Ranch. After their marriage on April 12, 1946 they moved to several locations in Texas as Cecil built his masonry business.  They spent extensive time in Midland and Lubbock, Texas where they raised their two daughters Karen and Brenda.  They returned to Blackwell, Texas in 1978 and were long time members of the First Baptist Church of Blackwell.

Verla was preceded in death by her husband of 74 years Cecil Lewis Smith, daughter Karen Swofford, grandson Randall Swofford and in-laws Cecil B. and Esther Smith.

Her memory, love and kindness with be cherished and celebrated by her daughter Brenda J. Holmes, (Robert Holmes), sisters Gloria Jordan and Glendia Brown, grandchildren Matthew Holmes (Gretchen), Jennifer Holmes, Jason Swofford (Lisa Kay), and Andrew Swofford (Lisa Marie) as well as well as Scott and RoseAnn Hertzel who were considered part of our family.  Great grandchildren are Reade Holmes, Sophia Holmes-Rodriquez, Lily Krueger, Mason Swofford, Landon Swofford, Abram Swofford, Eli Swofford, Samuel Swofford, Taylor Swofford, Hunter Holmes and Taylor Julian (G. She has many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

Services will be held at the First Baptist Church in Blackwell, Texas on Thursday May 9th at 2:00 PM. Viewing is at 10 AM Thursday at the church with graveside for immediate family following the services.