Earlean Smith

With hearts full of love and gratitude, we celebrate the beautiful life of Earlean Smith, who peacefully entered eternal rest on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at the age of 89.

Earlean Smith was born on February 21, 1937, in Harrison County to William “Bill” and LuElla Williams-Smith. She was the fourth of six children and grew up surrounded by family, faith, and community. She attended the historic Macedonia School in Jefferson, Texas, where she developed a strong spirit, a love for community, and a competitive nature, earning the nickname “Lil Ware” on the basketball court.

At an early age, Earlean accepted Christ and began her walk of faith at Lodwick Methodist Church, which later merged to become Macedonia United Methodist Church. Her faith remained a guiding force throughout her life, and she later became a faithful member of Yellowstone Missionary Baptist Church in Houston, Texas, where she worshiped until her health declined.

In 1957, she married the love of her life, Willie James Smith. Together, they built a devoted and enduring union until his passing in 1998. To this union, four children were born: Corliss Matthews, Victor Smith, Glynis Smith, and Barbara Smith, her pride and joys. Though small in stature, Earlean was a mighty force: strong-willed, vocal, and unwavering when it came to standing up for those she loved.

As a young woman, Earlean worked as a nurse’s aide in Jefferson, Texas, for Dr. Raymond Douglass, beginning a lifelong pattern of caring for others. After moving to Houston, she worked in retail and dedicated countless years volunteering with the Houston Independent School District as a teacher’s aide. Following her retirement, she became both a devoted homemaker and a vital partner in her husband’s business, Willie’s Roofing and Waterproofing, where she managed responsibilities with care and precision.

After her early years, Earlean remained close to home, lovingly caring for her grandmother, Mary Williams, affectionately known as “Big Mama,” during a time when her health was failing- an early reflection of the compassion and dedication that would define her life. Earlean was the heart of her family—a devoted mother, sister, grandmother, and caregiver whose strength, protection, and unconditional love shaped generations. She was known for her vibrant personality, sharp sense of humor, and unmistakable style. A snazzy dresser with confidence and grace, Earlean brought warmth into every room she entered. Her home was a place of laughter, storytelling, and togetherness, often centered around her delicious cooking—especially her famous fried chicken.

Earlean was preceded in death by her parents, William “Bill” and LuElla Smith; her husband, Willie Smith; her daughter, Glynis Smith; two brothers, James Warren Stoker and Roy Lee Smith; and two sisters, Lucy Mae Smith and Bessie Irene Smith one daugter-in-law, Wiletha Smith and one son-in-law, Ricky Matthews.

She leaves to cherish her memory: Three children, Corliss Matthews, Victor Smith and Barbara Smith (Frankie Duncan) all of Houston, Texas; nine grandchildren: Shu’Ron Hubert (Kimberly Hubert), LaMarcus Smith, Victor Smith II, Skylar Rollins (Jared Rollins), Morgan LaSalle (Keylon LaSalle), Corey Matthews, Sydney Smith, Victoria Smith and Justise Smith and Undre Partee (Tonika Partee), Ten great grandchildren. One sister, Bernice Morrow (Jesse Morrow) of Jefferson, Texas and one sister-in-law, Jessie Mae Smith of Ft. Worth, Texas and a loving cousin Dollie Brooks, Dallas, Texas. Three nieces: Patrice Smith, Natasha Morrow and Salina Morrow, and host of great nieces and nephews, relatives and friends.

Even as her health declined, Earlean’s love for her family never wavered, and her joyful spirit endured. Her legacy of faith, strength, love, and service will continue to live on in all who knew and loved her.