MARY JOAN "QUEENIE" SMITH

Mary Joan Smith was born October 14, 1932 in Jacksboro, Young County, Texas to James Osborne Joplin and Mary Riffe.

Mary "Queenie" Smith died January 9, 2025 at the age of ninety-two while quietly sleeping and having spent the day before with family shopping, laughing, and playing games for Denise's birthday. She waved goodbye as Denise left and silently went into the night to join those waiting for her in heaven.

Queenie married Ardis Waylon Smith. They met in a local skating rink when Ardis spotted the beauty who twirled with unusual flair, hair flying behind her and eyes laughing. He asked her out but was told she wouldn't go out with him if he were the last man on earth. His persistence paid off and she was hooked for life. Married for sixty-three years.

Queenie and Ardis worked together most of their adult lives at Circle Ks throughout the DFW area. Her kids remember the early rising of their parents and their leaving together each morning. They worked long and hard hours for their family.

Queenie enjoyed many activities. She was full of life and adventure. She filled the house with her enterprises. Transforming purses that she acquired at various places into works of art was only one of her pursuits. A gifted seamstress, she made many beautiful dresses for her granddaughters.

A self-taught musician who played the "fiddle" and keyboard by ear, she occasionally blew all away with her playing. It didn't really matter the time that passed since last playing, she'd take it up where she'd left it.

Queenie's wit was legendary. Dry, subtle, and always hilarious. She was gifted with a way with words. She displayed this talent often on those who dare play word games with her.

A quiet, unassuming personality that took up the space in the room just by her presence.

Queenie loved to fish. A family tradition that carries on today through her children and grandchildren. She and Ardis took many a fishing trip with their children. She'd squeal with each catch. What a joy it was to watch her fish.

After the death of her beloved Ardis, Queenie spent many days, nights, and weekends traveling with her daughters and granddaughters. She was always open to the next adventure, right up to her passing.

Queenie loved to dance. Her last dance here on earth was the Christmas before her passing. She showed all those there the girl inside her with her twirls and steps. Her grandson, JD played her favorite songs on the guitar and she stepped right into the rhythm. No doubt she's now dancing in heaven with Ardis and Sterling.

Mary is preceded in death by her beloved husband and partner, Ardis Waylon Smith, her son, Sterling Lee Smith, her parents, all of her siblings, and multiple cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Survived by: Son: Robert Alan Smith and wife Tiffany Smith, grandson, Robert Smith, Sr. and wife, Jhordin Thompson, and great grandchildren Anthony Smith, William Bridges, Faith Smith, Isabella Babineaux, and Waylon Smith. Granddaughter Kristie Brown and husband Scott Brown, great granddaughter Gloria Moss and husband Britton, great grandchildren, Ellie, Wyatt, and Emmie. Granddaughter Tessa Law and husband LeShon. Great grandchildren Anberlyn, A.J. London, Austen and wife Lindsey, and Rylie.

Daughter: Sherry Renee Fraser and husband William Thomas Fraser, grandson Jack David (JD) Curry Jr. and wife Hazel Curry, great grandchildren Croix Reich, Mason Henry, Cloud George, River George. Grandson Joseph William Curry, grandson James Isaac Curry, and granddaughter Brittany Renee Powers and husband Ryan Powers, great grandchildren Elijah and Mila Powers.

Daughter: Angela Denise Langford, grandson Aaron Langford, grandson Jonathan Langford and great grandchildren Cohen Langford, Arden Langford, Tygan Langford, and Soren Langford, grandson Andrew Langford, granddaughter, Anna Langford and husband Alec Hernandez, grandson Jeremy Langford and wife Hallie Langford, and great granddaughter Mable Langford.

Daughter: Brenda Michelle Wallace and husband James Wallace. Granddaughter Rachelle Smith Kotch and husband Will Kotch, great grandchild Qadir Kotch, granddaughter Jodi Villalva, great grandchildren Ian Villalva, and Jadyn Villalva.

Numerous nieces and nephews.

Services will be at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas, TX. 75211 on January 22, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.  Please be to the cemetery 15 minutes prior.

Join us to celebrate the beautiful life of Mary Jo an "Queenie" Smith.