Lela Grace Smithey
July 18, 1933 - December 14, 2012

Kerrville - Lela Grace Smithey, 79, passed away Friday, December 14, 2012 in a San Antonio Hospital after a brief illness. Lela also known as Pat was born in Dallas TX, to James Patrick Johnson and Grace Herndon on July18, 1933.

Services will be held at 1 PM, Friday, December 21, 2012 at First United Methodist Church, 321 Thompson Drive, Kerrville, TX with Pastors Bob Allen and Ray Altman officiating. Private inurnment in the Columbarium will be held prior to the service.

Pat was the oldest of four children and was raised in the Dallas area. She attended and graduated from Carrollton High School in 1950. Pat married the love of her life in Dallas, TX on June 16, 1951. Pat worked in the Carrollton Farmers Branch I.S.D. as an executive secretary to the principals from 1965 until 1973. She also worked for the Nissan Motor Corporation from 1978 until retiring in 1987.

"Mimi," as she was called by her grandchildren, was an amazing grandmother who always had something wonderful to eat. Her Goulash was her grandchildren’s favorite dish. She was a skilled bridge player and loved the game yahtzee, along with crossword puzzles. Above all, she was the most loyal and faithful servant to her Lord and lived her life as an extraordinary Christian.

Pat was preceded in death by her loving and devoted husband Richard of 59 years in 2011; beloved son, Mark David in 1992; daughter-in-law, Karol Smithey in 2011. Pat was also preceded in death by her father, J.P. Johnson and mother Grace Johnson.

Those celebrating her life include son, Gary Smithey of Midland Texas; daughter, Amy Smithey Underwood and husband Harris of Kerrville, TX; grandchildren, Greg Smithey, Zachary Smithey, Lynsey Smithey all of Midland, Texas, Natalee Smithey of Longview, TX, Alex Underwood, Alyssa Underwood and Andi Underwood all of Kerrville, TX; sister, Nina Chamness of Farmers Branch, TX; brother, Sammy Johnson and wife Gerry of Farmers Branch, TX and Charles Johnson and wife Betty of Rockwall, TX; sisters-in-law, Ellen Ripple of Grand Bay, AL, and Emma Jean Hamilton of Ponder, TX. Also surviving are many loving and devoted nieces and nephews to their Aunt Pat, all of whom held a special place in her heart.

Donations to the Dietert Center may be made in honor of our mother Pat, where she played bridge and met many special friends and also Junction House where she lovingly volunteered and prepared meals.

Pat's life motto was "Doing Right Is Always Right."

The family invites you to leave a message or memory at www.kerrvillefuneralhometx.com by selecting Obituaries. Select “Sign Guestbook” at the top right of the individual memorial.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Kerrville Funeral Home (830)895-5111