Dee Smith Obituary

In Loving Memory . . .
Dee Smith
December 2, 1955 - January 4, 2026
Dee Smith, 70, of Ponder, Texas, went to her heavenly
home with her sweet Savior, Jesus, on January 4, 2026,
in Denton, Texas, after a short battle with ovarian cancer.
Her loving family was at her side when she passed.
Born on December 2, 1955, to Grady and Lorna Byers
in Winters, Texas, Dee’s life was a testament to her
selfless love for Jesus, family, and friends. A beloved
wife, mom, grandma, sister, aunt, cousin, neighbor, and
friend to many, her smile, kindness, and joy radiated to
everyone she came across.
She married her sweetheart, Gayle, on September
16, 1972, in Stamford, Texas. They were blessed with
53 years together, supporting each other through life’s
joys and challenges.
Determined to go back to school, Dee earned her
Bachelor of Behavioral Science degree from Hardin-
Simmons University and went on to earn her Master
of Education degree from Abilene Christian University.
She then spent over 20 years as an educator, diagnostician,
and assistant principal, pouring into the lives of
countless students and coworkers in Stamford, Sweetwater,
and Lake Dallas. She saw her work not only as a
career but as a calling and a ministry.
Dee enjoyed reading, sewing, gardening, road trips
with Gayle, and spending time with family, friends, and
neighbors. She was sincerely the best wife, mom, and
grandma anyone could ask for. A prayer warrior for her
family and friends, she truly “prayed without ceasing”
(1 Thessalonians 5:17) and discipled many through Bible
studies, coffee dates, phone calls, and more. She served
wholeheartedly in every church family she was part of,
most recently Ignite Church. Her ministry and legacy
will continue to live on and multiply through those who
have been touched by her life.
Matthew 25:23 is certainly what Dee heard when she
entered heaven: “Well done, good and faithful servant;
you have been faithful over a few things, I will make
you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your
lord.’”
She was predeceased by her father, Grady Byers; and
her mother, Lorna Byers.
Those left to cherish her memory are her loving husband
of 53 years, Gayle Smith; their two children, Jason
(Patti) Smith and Lezli (David) Urlacher; three grandsons,
Caleb, Isaac, and Levi Urlacher; one brother,
Weldon Byers; and several extended family members
and friends.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday,
February 21, at 1:00 p.m. at Ignite Church in Denton,
Texas, at 1919 N Elm St. in the Wellspring Academy
building. Guests are welcome to dress in nice casual
attire and, if they wish, share a favorite story or memory
of Dee aloud or on a memory card provided at the
service. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes prayers
and, for those who feel led, contributions to the family
to help with medical bills or to Ignite Church.
Our family would like to warmly thank all those
who have shown so much love and care to us through
prayer, calls, texts, visits, meals, financial donations,
and support.