LAST WORDS OF Ethelyn Hughes Smith

My name is Ethelyn Hughes Smith. I love to have the last word, so I have taken the privilege of writing my own obituary.

I was born on July 28,1925 in Tulsa, Oklahoma to wonderful Christian parents Hope H. and Ethel Bagwell Hughes. I exchanged my earthly life for my celestial life on May 28th,2022.

I was the first of four children. The other three, who preceded me in heaven were Hope Ann, John, and Mack Hughes. I was a grocer’s daughter. My first bed was a cardboard Post Toasties carton at: Hope Hughes Grocery and Market. My first job was to dust the cans with a big feather duster. I have always loved going to the grocery store and felt almost as at home as I did in church.

I was married to Dr. Robert Leonard Smith, a Baptist minister, for 70 years, lacking 3 months, when he went home to be with the Lord.

We are survived by two priceless children, Robert Leonard Smith, Jr. and Judy Smith George, her husband, Dr. David George, two grandsons, John Graham, and Jeffery Thomas Bynum and three great grandsons, Finley, Nolan and Liam Bynum and a number of special nieces, nephews, and cousins.

I come from a musical family and when I was 10 years old, I began playing the piano for Sunday School. When I was 12, I became the organist for my church, the Presbyterian Church in Jefferson, Texas. Music has been a joy to me and one of God’s special blessings. I fully expect to continue using it in heaven although I doubt, I will ever master the Harp! I need not mention all the churches were my husband and I have served since those of you that know me already know that, nor the opportunities I have had to teach and be a helpmate to my life partner.

Our plans were to retire at age 65 but somehow, we never retired and instead came to Brownwood, Texas where Bob became Distinguished Professor of Preaching and later Dean of the School of Christian Studies at Howard Payne University. We loved that wonderful school and the students. A number of them lived with us while getting their education. It was a joy. After my husband lost most of his sight God still was not through with us here on earth. He gave us a great Bible Class at First Baptist Church of Brownwood where he for another 5 years. I was his seeing-eye wife during those years, and it was a privilege to be of help to that wonderful man of God.

To all of you who have loved me, encouraged me, prayed for me, or helped me in any way in journey here on this earth (and you know who you are) I thank you with all my heart. I would like to gift you with this blessing. “May the Lord bless you and keep you. May He make His face to SHINE upon you and be gracious to you. May He lift up the light of His countenance upon you, and give you, His peace.” AND NOW FOR THE LAST WORDS taken from one of my 1000 favorite hymns:

“All the way my Saviour leads me. What have I to ask besides?
Can I doubt His tender mercies who through life has been my guide?
Heavenly peace! Divinest comfort here by faith in Him to dwell,
For I know whatere befall me, Jesus doeth all things well.
Yes, I know whatere befall me, Jesus doeth all things well.

All the way my Saviour led me. O the fullness of His love!
Perfect rest to me is promised in my father’s house above.
When my spirit, clothed immortal, wings its flight to realms of day,
This my song through endless ages…Jesus led me all the way.
Yes, this my song through endless ages, Jesus led me all the way.”
Blessed be the Name of the Lord!

Visitation will be held at Davis Morris Chapel Tuesday June 28th, 2022, from 6 pm-8 pm
Services will be at First Baptist Church Wednesday, June 29th, 2022, at 3:00 pm.