Gloria Jane Smith's Obituary
On Thursday, September 1, 2022, Gloria Mills Smith passed away at age 97.
Gloria was born on January 9, 1925, in Dallas, Texas, the only child of Otho and Editha
Mills. She and her first cousin, Billie Sue Martin, were raised almost as sisters. She was
very thankful for her Uncle Bill’s and Aunt Chessie’s loving guardianship.
On December 16, 1947, she married Daniel Basel Smith, a Marine veteran of World War
II and graduate of Southern Methodist University. They raised a daughter and two sons,
and were blessed with two granddaughters and five great-grandchildren.
After settling in Richardson, Texas, they built a very warm home life together. She and
Basel helped create Spring Valley Methodist Church as charter members in 1957. She
spent a half century as a member of the Seekers adult Sunday School class along with
many of her dearest friends.
Gloria cared deeply about the welfare of children, acting on that concern throughout her
life through a variety volunteer roles. After retirement, she became a crossing guard,
where she was adored by hosts of children and their parents.
Assuming she would live only a few more years, she moved into The Wellington on
Arapaho in 2008. Instead, she found a new reason to live, assuring new residents as the
welcoming face of the facility. She made many new friends and was loved by the staff.
Gloria was preceded in death by her husband and is survived by her son Scooter Smith
and his wife, Amy Martin, her daughter Julie Wileman and her husband Andy Wileman,
and her son Micah Smith and his partner Monica Lawler. She is also survived by
granddaughter Katy Monwai and husband Brian Monwai and their three daughters, Ellie,
Sachi and Addy, and granddaughter Emily Sandefur and husband Ryan Sandefur and
their two children, Jakob and Leni.
Her funeral service will be held at 2 PM Friday, September 16, 2022, in the Wildwood
Chapel at Restland Cemetery, 13005 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX, 75243. In lieu of
flowers, the family requests donations to the North Texas Food Bank.
What’s your fondest memory of Gloria?
What’s a lesson you learned from Gloria?
Share a story where Gloria's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Gloria you’ll never forget.
How did Gloria make you smile?
