Theda Smith

Theda A. Smith passed away on Tuesday, May 19, 2020 after a short illness. She was born Theda Allene Witwer on October 6, 1920 in Nowata County, Oklahoma to Roy and Opal Witwer. Theda was raised on a wheat farm in Nowata County, Oklahoma; where she attended school, and graduated Salutatorian of her class. She then continued her education at a college in Coffeeville, Kansas where she received her teaching certificate. She taught school for one year in Coffeeville prior to her marriage to Glen Olen Smith on June 15, 1941, only a few months before the United States entered World War II.

Glenn began work for Stanolind Oil, and in January 1943 the couple were blessed with twin boys, Garey and Barry. Glenn was drafted into the Army in August of 1944 and Theda, pregnant with their third child, returned with her twins to her parents’ farm. In October, 1944, she gave birth to daughter Elaine. Glenn served in the Philippines and Japan and was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant in December 1945.

After returning home, Glenn resumed working for Stanolind.   After years of transfers to many different locations in eight different states, Glenn and Theda were blessed with another son, Neil, in July of 1953. Two years later Theda and her family settled in Levelland, Texas. In 1966, Theda’s husband Glenn passed away due to a heart attack. Theda returned to school and earned her BA from Texas Tech. She began teaching school for LISD in 1970. She taught at Cactus Elementary and Middle School while raising Neil. She retired after 15 years at the age 65. Theda’s last 12 years were spent with the help of the wonderful caregivers at Hickory Place in Levelland.

Theda was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Opal Witwer; sister, Marjorie Smith; husband, Glenn Smith; and daughter, Elaine Bryant.

She is survived by sons, Barry Smith and wife Jo Ann of Lubbock, Garey Smith and wife Linda of Levelland, and Neil Smith and wife Linda of Levelland; son-in-law Steve Bryant of Lubbock; 15 grandchildren,  Shauna Bryant, Melinda Whitehead (Tony), Melisa Stewart, Karen Gatlin (Jimmy), Katherine Neis, Stacy Slater, Shannon Thorton (Ritchie), Russel Blackburn (Shanna), Ethan Blackburn (Rosa), Brandi Blackburn, Tamera Todd (Michael), Aaron Smith (Taylor), Adam Smith, Jared Smith (Ashley), Christopher Stanley, and Derek Stanley; 33 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, family requests memorials be made to Levelland Christian School, 1905 Cactus Drive, Levelland, Texas 79336; or Bill’s Backpacks, P.O. Box 974, Levelland, Texas 79336.

Funeral services will be held on May 22, 2020 in the First Baptist Church.  Interment will follow in the City of Levelland Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Krestridge Funeral Home.  (806) 897-1111