Joan Dresslar Smith's Obituary
Joan Dresslar Smith of Garland, TX passed from this life on January 3, 2012 due to complications of pneumonia. She was born in Ponca City, OK on August 23, 1934 to Walter Woodall Dresslar and Una Pauline Stone. She graduated from Forest Avenue High School in Dallas. After raising her family, she attended Eastfield College at the same time as her eldest son. Known to the IRS as “Kept Woman”, her grandchildren called her “Nana”. She married George M. Smith June 10, 1973 at the Fern Grotto, Kauai, Hawaii. Their marriage was one long honeymoon. Always each other’s best friend, they were close and loving companions throughout life’s journey. The couple made numerous return trips to Hawaii, where her passion was collecting shells of all kinds. Later she created a mural of the Hawaiian Islands made entirely of shells. The mural in her home measures 6 feet by 7 feet and is imbedded in a wall. In addition to being a fabulous cook, she found joy in genealogy. For many years she was a volunteer in the genealogy section of the Dallas Public Library where she assisted many patrons in doing their own research. Along with her husband, she was a Caring Hearts volunteer for fifteen years at Baylor University Medical Center of Dallas. She is survived by her husband and sons, Bruce Neal Wait and his wife Pam of Sachse, TX and Dan Alan Wait and his wife Debbie of New Castle, IN, twelve grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Memorial services will be held at 10am Monday, January 9, 2012 at Restland Wildwood Chapel.
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