"Beloved Aunt, You will always be remembered. You have been not only a dear aunt to me and Carl, but a second mother. Your decade long battle with Alzheimer's was tough, but you faced it with your customary quiet grace and dignity. I am so blessed to have had you in my life, and I will love you forever. Ann"
In loving memory of
Lilla Ellington Smith
May 23, 2017
Lilla Ellington Smith was born on May 24, 1933 in San Angelo Texas and passed away peacefully at her home in Houston under hospice care on May 23, 2017.
Lilla E. Smith got her Degree at the University of Texas in 1954 where her and her sister, Mary L. Strickler, both attended and were very close. The sisters went on several adventures to include several cruises spending much time together and enjoying life. Lilla and Rives were married in 1956 at The Unitarian church in Houston. Lilla had a very successful 35 year career with Exxon Mobil with the last 25 years as executive seceratary for employee relations. Lilla's loyalty, generosity, and trust with her job family or friend's was never in question and always ever present as she was a giver, achiever, caring individual and always aiding others in need whoever they may be.
Lilla's effort to be there was just as evident in her 5 years of having Alzheimer's as it was in the other years of her life. Her ability to be available, to do her part, and share any task was Lilla's way of life. But she never let her condition rob her of her normal routines of a day to day life. Even in those 5 years of her condition she remained cognizant to her personal grooming, always and never let the condition get in the way of being the independent, caring and ever beautiful person we came to know her as.
Lilla is survived by her husband Rives Hampton Smith.
She was special in marriage as she was for others, providing purpose and pouring dedication into family friends and her community. She will be missed by many but forgotten by none.
Tributes
"Lilla Smith1933-2017Lilla Ellington Smith was born on May 24, 1933 in San Angelo Texas and passed away peacefully at her home in Houston under hospice care on May 23, 2017."
"One of the most kind, caring. family friends I have ever known. She has fought the good fight; and, now is in Heaven, for sure. RIP, Lilla, See you, one of these day, you can rest on that, for sure."
"Please print as is. Thanks, Patricia Elder"
"Oh, Rives -- reading a little of Lilla's history, just brings back, to me, precious childhood memories, for I knew her as a special family friend in Eldorado, many, many years, ago. Sweet, caring, considerate to all. And, to know Lilla, you knew her special family, also. Lilla's photo is just like I rmembered her. Thanks, for giving me a " back down memory lane" , again. RIP, sweet Lilla. See you, later, I am sure. Patricia Elder, San Angelo, Texas"