August 3, 1943 — March 30, 2025
Sulphur Springs
Sandra Dell Smith passed away on Sunday, March 30, 2025. “Sandy” was born on August 3, 1943 to Robert Thomas Mayo and Wilemenia Patricia Hawkins Mayo in San Angelo, Texas. She married the “Love of Her Life,” Lowell “Smitty” Duane Smith on May 28, 1959. They were married 36 years before he preceded her in death.
She is survived by 4 of her 5 children, Cindy Bain and husband Mike of Sulphur Springs, Duane Smith of Sulphur Springs, Robert Smith and wife Laura of Sulphur Springs, and Jay Duane Smith. She is also the proud Granny of 13 grandchildren, Kristi Hayes, Bo Dustin, Aaron Dyer, Amanda Gilmore, Chantry Rawl, Kyle Smith, Kaitlyn Sachs, Diana Philbert, Ryann Lackey, Patricia Smith, Taylor Rawsom, Tucker Smith and a total of 31 great-grandchildren. Sandy is also survived by her sister, Patsy Suriff and husband Jerry of San Angelo, Texas, and bonus family members, the Nickersons.
She absolutely LOVED her kids, grands, and great-grands, and she continued to follow school and sports activities until she was no longer able. Sandy was in the nursing field, and had worked in several nursing homes and hospitals both in Wild Rose, Wisconsin and Sulphur Springs, Texas, but by far her favorite job she ever held was the 27 years she worked for Dr. Joe Longino in his private practice. She chose to retire when Dr. Joe retired.
Of Christian faith, she was a long-time member of Black Oak Baptist Church, raising her children in that church and later years, the Greenpond Baptist Church. She was very involved in the youth activities and social activities of the church until health ailments made it hard for her to participate.
Sandy was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lowell “Smitty” Smith; daughter, Dianna Lynn Smith; brother, Robert Mayo; sister, Beth Kavolak; grandson, Brody Dyer, and great-grandson, Eddie Nickerson.
Visitation will be held at Murray-Orwosky Funeral Home in Sulphur Springs, Texas from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 with a private family graveside service held at Black Oak Baptist Church with Bro. Terry Bolton officiating.
Pallbearers will be Bo Dyer, Aaron Dyer, Kyle Smith, Kenny Hayes with longtime “chosen friends/family” members, Butch & Robert Bowen. Honorary pallbearers will include the Emory Heath & Rehab and Heart to Heart Hospice staff.
