Norma Scott McCommas Smith

Norma Scott McCommas Smith died December 12, 2013 at her home in Abilene, Texas. Memorial services and reception will be 2:00 PM, Wednesday, December 18, 2013 at the First Christian Church in Abilene with Dr. Don Wilson presiding, under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Rd. in Abilene. Visitation will be 4:00 to 6:00 PM, Tuesday, December 17, at the Wesley Court Atrium. Norma was born in Dallas to Elma and Scott McCommas on June 10, 1922. She attended Woodrow Wilson High School and The Hockaday School in Dallas. She married William Nelson (Ned) Smith in 1941. They moved from Dallas to Abilene in 1988. Norma was known by her wide circle of friends for her grace, kindness, and generosity. She was a warm, caring, and supportive mother and grandmother. She always remained close to her extended family. Throughout her life, she traveled, enthusiastic and curious about places and people. Norma enjoyed Abilene culture, plays at Abilene Christian University and Abilene Community Theater, concerts at the Abilene Philharmonic, classic films at the Paramount, and Mike Schuler’s piano playing. She always found time to cook and entertain, often inventing occasions to gather friends and family in her home. Favorites of hers were the regular gatherings of the “Lunch Bunch” and Mah Jongg groups. Her spirit and laughter enriched us. Norma was active in a number of Abilene groups including PEO Sisterhood Chapter GN, the Pensadoras Study Club, Reverend Janice Six’s Bible Study Group, and the First Christian Church Perry-Searchers Sunday School Class. She was a long-time member of the Abilene Philharmonic Guild. Norma is survived by her two sons, a daughter, and their spouses: Nelson Scott Smith and Roberta Harper Smith of San Francisco, Gary Lynn Smith and Carie Smith of Pittsburgh, and Karen White and Richard White of Plano. Grandchildren are Jennifer Scott Smith Alston of San Francisco, Hallie Smith of Arlington, Texas, and Caleb Smith of San Antonio. Nieces are Marsha Johns and Christine Josey of Rockwall. Norma was preceded in death by her husband, Ned, her sister, Flo Hensel, and her sister’s two daughters, Ann O’Leary and Jan Kittrell. The family wishes to extend thanks to the Hendrick nursing staff and to the home health and hospice people who lovingly cared for Norma during these last months. Memorials may be directed to the PEO Sisterhood (5382 Wagon Wheel, Abilene, 79606), or the Abilene Philharmonic Guild.