Edna Smith

Edna, 86 of Abilene, passed away on March 19 in the sweet little town of Abilene that she loved so much.

Visitation will be Tuesday, March 25 between the hours of 2pm and 6pm at Hamil Family Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 26 at 11am. The services will be held at Hamil Family Funeral Home with Edna’s grandson, Wayne Lunsford, officiating. Burial will follow at Buffalo Gap Cemetery in Buffalo Gap, TX. Services are under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road.

Edna was born in Rotan, TX to Ervin and Polly Stricklin on February 23, 1939. She went to school at Blythe Elementary in Blythe, CA. She graduated from Poly Technic High School in Riverside, CA and attended Riverside Community College to follow. She then transferred to The University of Riverside where she graduated with a degree in Sociology and later received her Master’s degree. She married Donald R Smith on January 30, 1955, in Blythe, CA. She worked as a correctional officer for Juvenile Hall for around 5-7 years and then went on to become a probation officer in the city of Riverside. She retired as a property manager and real estate agent for William Austin Company in Riverside, CA. Edna and her husband Don loved to dance together, and they won “Best Twisters” in 1962 in Riverside, CA. Edna was a very strong Christian woman and was very active with First Baptist Church when her children were young and continued to be active in her churches throughout her life. Edna was the spiritual backing for her entire family and shared her love for Jesus with them every chance she had.

In 1969, Edna was very proud to be crowned Mrs. Riverside and was awarded a new car every month for an entire year,  which helped her pay for her education.

Edna was preceded in death by her parents Ervin Michael Stricklin and Polly Marianne Stricklin.

Edna is survived by her husband Don, her daughters Linda, Brenda, & Rhonda, her grandsons Wayne, Aaron, Taylor, & Tristan, her great granddaughters Linkynn, Memphis, Nixynn, & Daltynn, and great grandson Broxton.

Pallbearers will be Wayne Lunsford, Aaron Moreno, Taylor Loop, Tristan Loop, Steve Lake, Richard Phillips.

In 1997, Edna and Don returned to her mother’s homestead on their ranch in Jayton, TX. Edna purchased several acres and built a life and a business on the Cedar Bluff Ranch. She loved spending her time tending to the hunting program, seeing the cattle and wildlife that lived on the land, and just being in the country where she could feel her parent’s presence. Edna’s heart belonged to Jesus, her family, and her beloved state of Texas.

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

—Revelation 21:4

“Well done my good and faithful servant.”