1937–2024
A funeral service and celebration of life for Wanda Maye Smith, 86, of Gail, Texas, was held Monday, June 24, 2024 at the First Baptist Church of Gail under the direction and care of Branon Funeral Ho m e . I n te rment followed at Gail Cemetery. Wanda passed away on Friday, June 21, 2024 in Lubbock, Texas. She was born on June 24, 1937 in Eunice, N.M., to Norval and Christine (Rankin) Cunningham. She married Larry Smith on Dec. 20, 1957, and they were married 66 wonderful years.
She began her education in O’Donnell, Texas, up until her high school years and then attended Borden County High School until her senior year, at which time her family moved to Lovington, N.M., where she graduated. She was proud to have been the secretary for the Borden County judge for many years.
Wanda was a strong, selfless woman who had a deep faith in God and never wanted anyone to go without a full stomach. She was small in stature but very feisty and always ended up being the life of the party. Wanda was known as “Granma” to all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Wanda was preceded in death by her parents, Norval and Christine; her brother, Kenneth Cunningham; and her son-in-law, Kurt Pierce.
She is survived by her husband, Larry Smith; her children, Perry Smith and wife Kelly of Post, Texas, and Kristy Pierce and (late husband Kurt) of Lamesa, Texas; her grandchildren, Emily Stahl, Sterling Smith and wife Holly, Matti Taylor and husband Austin, Kyle Pierce and wife Jade, and Katy Miller and husband Dusty; and great-grandchildren Grant Stahl, Raeley Taylor, Swayde Smith, Hartlyn Smith, Gemma Pierce, River Pierce, Wilder Pierce, Sunshine Pierce, Jed Miller, Mercer Miller, Baker Miller and Maevyn Miller.
The family suggests memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.