Gailya Smith

Gailya Francis Ferguson was born on October 13, 1936, in Stephenville, Texas to the parents of Murrell and Jimmye Ferguson.  Gailya spent her early years in Meridian and graduated high school for the Meridian High School Yellow Jackets.  In March of 1956, she married Robert L. Smith, in which she shared a life with until her passing. Bob and Gay were avid travelers and participated in numerous archeological excavations across the Southwest.  Gay was a strong believer in education, achieving university degrees in the education and anthropology fields, while dedicating her life to teaching elementary, high school and college students.  Gay was always singing and passed that love of music to her children and grandchildren.  She was a member of the Community Choir for many years which was one of her greatest accomplishments.  Gay traveled with the choir to sing at Carnegie Hall twice and on two cruises.  Gay was a deeply spiritual person, devoting time to the church and community. She was a volunteer at the Hospital and was a weekly visitor to the local nursing homes.

Gay was preceded in death by her parents, Murrell and Jimmye Ferguson, Her Father and Mother-in-law David and Gladys Smith and sisters, Angela Payne and Murlyne Gerber.

Gay is survived by her husband of 65 years, Robert Smith, One sister, Pamela and Talmage Minter of Waco, TX. Three children: Daughters Jennifer and Mike Orr of Tomball, TX, Diedre and Matt Hood of Borger, TX one son, Clayton and Jennifer Smith of Cleveland, OH.  five grandchildren, Mikal and Macie Orr, Trevor and Jessie Orr, Brittni and Jared Harper, Margo Hood and Natalie Hood and two great grandchildren, Paige Orr and Callum Orr.  Gay will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and community.

The Celebration of Gay’s Life will be 2:00 p.m. Monday at the Church of Christ at Borger with Theron Baker officiating.  Services are under the direction of Minton Chatwell Funeral Directors of Borger.

Donations may be made to High Plains Children's Home in Amarillo.