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 Masterof Education degree from Abilene Christian University. She then spent over 20 years as an educator, diagnostician, and assistant principal, pouring into the lives ofcountless 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.