Gladys M. Lay Smith

GLADYS M. LAY SMITH, 101, Bellville, Texas, left her earthly home and was accepted by her maker the Lord on Tuesday, November 10, 2015, in Brenham, Texas. She was born April 2, 1914, in Waller, Texas, the daughter of Archie and Amelia "Molly" Kalbow Lay. The oldest of five children, Gladys grew up and attended schools in the Waller, before moving to Hempstead, Texas. She was united in marriage to the love of her life Claude Harris Smith, on December 21, 1935, in Hempstead. After high school, Gladys attended Mary Hardin Baylor, Southwest Texas State, graduating with a bachelor''s degree in education, from the University of Houston in 1948. At the age of 19, Gladys begins teaching Field Store traveling by horse and buggy. She then taught in Cochran until the closing of the school, when she went to teach at Bellville''s O''Bryant Elementary. Gladys taught for Bellville Independent School District, for 34 years, while her husband, Claude, served as the principle at the Junior High School, before their retirement in 1974. Gladys'' retirement years exceeded her teaching years. For seventy six years, Gladys was a member of the First Baptist Church of Bellville where she was present at ever function with her husband until his death. Gladys was a lifelong member Daughters of the American Revolution and Order of Eastern Star #611 and enjoyed playing piano, singing, cooking, canning and was well-known for her "Mrs. Smith Pies." She also enjoyed playing 42 and was in the Triple L Club, living long and loving it. Gladys was a wonderful mother, grandmother and great grandmother to us all. Gladys is survived by her SON: Charles Harris Smith and his wife, Annie, of Bellville; GRANDCHILDREN: Jessica Smith, Austin Smith, Jim Watson and his wife, Emily and Wynn Watson Sanchez and her husband, Abe; GREAT GRANDCHILDREN: Tyler and Alayna Sanchez. She is also survived by her BROTHER: Thomas Lay and his wife, Ruth, of Friendswood and several beloved nieces and nephews. Gladys was preceded in death by her parents, Archie and Molly Lay, husband, Claude Harris Smith, in 1996, daughter, Carol Ann Smith Watson, brother, Archie W. Lay, sister, Evelyn Leftwich, Maxine Wright and sister-in-law, Marie Smith. Pallbearers were Austin Smith, Jim Watson, Abe Sanchez, Jeff Bufkin, Lloyd Graham and Brent Leftwich. Honorary Pallbearers were Floyd Merten and Lee Persky Friends who wish may make memorial gifts to the: First Baptist Church, 504 East Strauss Street, Bellville, Texas 77418