Ina Lee Smith went home to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on September 15, 2021, fulfilling a favorite biblical truth: “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). Ina Lee exhibited the character of Christ in her gracious spirit, her humble heart, and her gentle kindness.
She was born on December 15, 1932, in Bonham, Texas to Charles Raymond Dale and Gertrude Novella (Sutton) Dale. Living in the country, she enjoyed being the second of five wonderful sisters. In 1950, she graduated as salutatorian from Gober High School where she fostered a love of books, remaining an avid reader her entire life.
On February 16, 1952, Ina Lee married Glenn William Smith, her high school sweetheart. Their life together began at the time of his service in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. She was extremely proud of his military service. They enjoyed life together for 62 years, living in Irving, Texas for most of those years. She walked by his side throughout life and on golf courses here and abroad. She loved their travels together, especially to Scotland and New York. They faithfully served alongside lifelong Christian friends at North Irving Baptist Church for over fifty years. After raising their two daughters, Ina Lee served the Irving Independent School District for over twenty years in elementary school office administration. After retirement she enjoyed volunteering at Irving Community Hospital, supporting military service and veterans through the Korean War Veterans Association, and being “MeMaw” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. As our beloved MeMaw, she will truly be missed.
Ina Lee is survived by her daughters, Glenda Hanshaw and husband, Homer of Litchfield, Illinois, Laura Phipps and husband, Mike of Farmersville, Texas; grandchildren, Sarah O’Dell and husband, Brian of Excelsior Springs, Missouri, Rachel Schwehr and husband, Todd of Springfield, Illinois, Katie Hanshaw of Liberty, Missouri, Meredith Fontenault and husband, Eric of Anna, Texas, Paige Strickland and husband, Coleman of Annapolis, Maryland, Abigail McClellan and husband, Sam of Merkel, Texas, and Sallie Fender and husband, Davis of Benbrook, Texas; great-grandchildren, Gabe O’Dell, Lucas Schwehr, Olivia, Amos, and Ellie Fontenault, Fallon and Witten Strickland, and Kinslee and new great-grandson (not yet born) McClellan, two sisters, Maurine Bankston and Charlene Hardy of Bonham, Texas, and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Glenn Smith, parents, Charles and Gertrude Dale, and her sisters, Margaret Shepherd and Susie Powell.
Family visitation will be at Hurst’s Fielder-Baker Funeral Home in Farmersville, Texas on September 27, 2021, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. The burial will take place at the DFW National Cemetery in Grand Prairie, Texas on September 28, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church in Farmersville, Texas on September 28, 2021, at 3:00 p.m.
As Ina Lee loved God and His Word, and championed our military heroes, you may honor her memory by making donations to The Gideon’s International (sendtheword.org) or Wounded Warrior Project (support.woundedwarriorproject.org).
For their devotion and care of Ina Lee, the family would like to thank Lexington Medical Lodge in Farmersville, New Century Hospice, and Hurst’s Fielder-Baker Funeral Home.