Reba Boyd Smith

Reba Boyd Smith, 91, of Abilene, Texas, passed away on Thursday, March 21, 2013 in Abilene. Reba was born in El Dorado, Arkansas to Martha Elizabeth (Hornaday) and Charles Orval Blanton on September 4, 1921. She graduated from Odessa High School in 1938. Reba attended Howard Payne University and Hardin-Simmons University for two years. She worked in the educational systems of Ector County ISD, Abilene ISD, and Hardin-Simmons University. She was involved with The Lions Club, Order of the Eastern Star in Odessa, Abilene Harmony Club, PEO Sisterhood, and Abilene Woman’s Club of which she was selected Woman of the Year for 2012. She was an active participant in Ector and Taylor County Republican Party organizations and past president of Taylor County Republican Women. A faithful member of First Baptist Church in Abilene, Reba was the first female Sunday School Superintendent at the church. She was a member of the Sarah Class and served as special program coordinator of Adult I, as well as in church activities including Heritage and Hope Committee, Majestic Sounds Choir as pianist, Women on Mission and WMU, outreach ministry and as church greeter, and teacher in Adult II Sunday School Department. In addition to these leadership positions, Reba’s pastor, Dr. Phil Christopher, called her “the official Church Ambassador and Minister of Reconciliation in reaching and caring for people. When people and especially guests were greeted by Reba, they experienced the gifts of hospitality, acceptance and belonging. In addition to accompanying the Majestic Sounds, she used her musical gifts throughout the church in playing for Prayer Meeting services, special programs and Sunday School classes from children to adults. She was an encourager of students and young people providing them opportunities to grow and serve.” Reba was preceded in death by her first husband, Milton Crosby Boyd, Sr.; two great-grandsons, Cole and Frank LaGrone; her parents; one brother and two sisters. Reba is survived by her husband, J. L. Smith; her children, Judith Daniels, Suzanne and Lloyd Alcorn, Tandy and Charles William “Bill” Boyd, Janna and Milton Crosby Boyd, Jr., Kris and John Gantt; and Melissa and Joel Smith. She is also survived by 16 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be Sunday, March 24, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at The Hamil Family Funeral Home Chapel, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, March 25, at First Baptist Church, Abilene with Dr. Phil Christopher officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be Tom McNew, J.L. Cole, John Snapp, Billy Bob Neff, Allan Frizzell, and Danny Haddox. Memorials may be given to the Hardin-Simmons University School of Church Music Scholarship Fund. The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the staff at Abilene Regional Medical Center, First Baptist Church, various caregivers, and many caring neighbors and friends.