Shirley Ann (Nabors) Smith

Shirley Ann Nabors Smith passed from this life on March 18, 2024.  Shirley, 85, was born December 9, 1938  in Charleston, Texas to Herbert and Golden Ann George Nabors.  Funeral services are scheduled for Thursday, March 21 at two o’clock at the Charleston Methodist Church in Charleston, Texas with visitation one hour prior and burial at the Charleston Cemetery.

Shirley graduated from East Delta High School in 1957 and East Texas State University with her Bachelors and Masters degrees.  She married Don Gene Smith on March 31, 1961 in the Charleston Methodist Church.  Mrs. Smith was a life-long educator who began her teaching career at Mesquite High School and then Delmar and Chisum High School, as well as teaching Sunday School, Boy Scouts, and GED classes.  Although she never had children of her own she felt as if her students were her kids.  She rarely missed a wedding, shower, class reunion, or funeral of former students.  Shirley loved to reminisce about family history, Delta County history, and research genealogy.  She loved to write and was notorious for sending handwritten letters and cards to loved ones.  Mrs. Smith was active in many clubs, such as, Daughters of the American Revolution, Lamar/Delta Retired teachers, Delta County Museum, United Methodist Women, Delta Kappa Gamma, and the Delta County Historical Society, just to name a few.  Shirley was a lifelong member of the Charleton Methodist Church.    

Shirley is survived by her husband of 62 years, Don Smith; sister Katie Nabors Malone, and brother-in-law Ricky Smith and wife Patricia, brother-in-law Leland Frase; nieces and nephews: Lyn Dennis, DeeAnn Hamner, Julie Kay Swaim, Robert Nabors, Greg Moore, Michelle Moore, Shannon Smith Simpson, Cade Smith, Angela Smith, Rikki Smith Cooper, as well as, numerous great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews, cousins, beloved students, co-workers, special neighbors and friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents, and brother Grover Lee Nabors, brother-in-laws James Smith and L.D. Malone, and sister-in-law Patsy Smith Frase.    

Shirley was an avid reader and loved all types of books, therefore, in lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to your local library, Delta County Public Library, or charity of your choice.

Pallbearers will be Greg Moore, Cade Smith, Robert Nabors, Brazos Malone Phillips, Dawson Hamner, Destin Swaim, and Michael Jones.      

 Online condolences may be made at www.deltafuneralhome.com

Services entrusted to Delta Funeral Home

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