Hazel Irene Smith

Hazel Irene (Newman) Smith, of Taylor, TX, passed away on December 13, 2020 while under hospice care at The University Village Memory Care.

A 1954 graduate of Michigan State (College) University, Irene was born in Farwell, Michigan on September 4 ^th , 1932.  After college, Irene married Donald Lee Smith of Coldwater, Michigan and embarked on her life as an Army wife.  For the next 24 years, she lived in 6 separate states and one foreign country and traveled extensively throughout Europe and the United State. Irene settled in Taylor TX, in 1995 to be closer to her daughter.  Throughout her life, Irene was an active volunteer, especially in her children’s educational and extra-curricular activities.  As her children grew more independent, Irene rejoined the workforce as a substitute teacher and as the Director of Food Services/ Head Start Program in Columbus, GA.  She later served as a volunteer at the Scott and White Clinic in Taylor, TX.

As a great role model with a wonderful sense of humor, Irene was always looking for ways to help others.  Her smile and laughter were contagious and brought a sense of joy to others.  Irene was strong in her faith and her commitments to others and finding ways to help.  Irene was a lifelong Presbyterian, and active church member in any church she joined.  She was an Elder for her Morningside Presbyterian Church in Columbus, GA and became a member of the First Presbyterian Church upon moving to Taylor.  She was always an example to her family and those around her, displaying quiet strength and optimism in facing anything the world threw her way.

Irene is preceded in death by her husband Donald Lee (DL) in 1984, her mother, Ruby Newman (1985), father, Frank Newman (1985), and her sister, Helen (Newman)Robison (2010).

Irene is survived by her brother, William Newman (and wife Claudia) of Clare, Michigan; her five children: Vicki of Rochester, Michigan; Bill (and wife Lourdes) of Rochester, Michigan; TJ (and wife Laura) of Beaufort, South Carolina; Kathy (and husband Doug) of Taylor, Texas; Anne (and husband Mike) of Annapolis, Maryland: seven grandchildren: Jake (and wife Jenny), Donald (and Dalinah  Algarin-Cora), Shena, Jed (and wife Paige) Sloane, Matt (and Chelsea Martin) and Will; and four great grandchildren, Myla, Lincoln, Eli and Jack.

Irene’s family would like to thank the wonderful staff at The University Village Memory Care Facility in Round Rock. We will always be grateful for the love and care you gave our mother!!