Maurita Gafford Smith

MauRita Lynette Gafford Smith “Sissy” passed away November 15, 2022 at her home in Taylor, Texas at the age of 77.

MauRita was born on December 16, 1944 in Houston, Texas to Juanita and Thomas Gafford.  After the passing of her father at a young age, having only an 8 ^th grade education she help raise her four brothers Wayne, David, Wesley and Darrell while her mother worked to provide for the family. Living in many cities in Texas during her childhood.

She married Weldon Eugene Smith November 22, 1963 at Cottage Grove Church in Houston Texas. She worked at many jobs over the years. Secretary of the Family Business, Superior Interiors, Cashier at Pyburns, Office Assistant at Harry’s Building Materials and Rental Associate at Crocker’s Reclamation.

She and Weldon co-partnered “Voices" a nonprofit for abused women.  Where they spent many hours fundraising and working with women and children in abusive homes.

She enjoyed her weekly meetings with her TOPS (Taking off Pounds Sensibly) group where she made many friends, met her weight loss goal and earned a 2 ^nd place award for most pounds lost for 2019.

She loved spending time with her family, friends and her dog, Zeke.  She loved to read, travel, and spend time at the beach.

She is survived by, daughter Lynita Conaway and husband Mark Conaway of Temple, daughter, Regina Schneider and husband Darin Schneider of Taylor, Son, Troy Smith and wife Taresa Smith of Rockdale. Grandchildren, Amanda Ruiz, Megan Lane, Steven Conaway, Tristan Lewis, Nicole Smith, Keith Schneider and Tamra Mangum.  11 great grandchildren, Brother’s David Gafford, Wesley Gafford and Darrell Mann.

Proceeded in Death by, husband Weldon Smith, brother Wayne Gafford, mother Juanita Gafford, Father Thomas Gafford and Grandson, James Mangum Jr.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, November 22, 2022 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Providence Funeral Home. Funeral, Wednesday, November 23, 2022 at 10am.  Burial to follow at Taylor City Cemetery.

Serving as Honorary Pallbearer Troy Smith. Serving as Pallbearers, Mark Conaway, Steven Conaway, Darin Schneider, Keith Schneider, Garret Schneider and Tristan Lewis.