Mildred Elaine Barnett Smith

Mildred Elaine Barnett Smith entered the Gates of Heaven on Saturday, October 31, 2025. Born May 2, 1920 in Akron, Ohio to Samuel and Johnie Snowden Barnette, and reared by Will and Ellen Barnett in Carlisle, Texas, she passed away at 105 years old. She outlived most family and friends but remained a woman of profound faith who blessed others with her humility, thankfulness, contentment, kindness and encouragement.

Mildred worked to retirement as office manager for several pediatricians in Houston. She taught the three-year-old Sunday School class and worked in the nursery department at Bethal Baptist Church for 47 years. She spent the last 29 years of her life in Dallas, where she attended Royal Haven Baptist Church as long as she was able, and has outlived all but one of the valued friends from her Sunday School class.

Mildred loved working in her yard early in the morning, tending her day lilies, azaleas and roses; cooking down-home comfort foods, sewing, and reading; and contemplating life from her rocking chair.

Mildred centered her life around her only child, Sarah and husband Sam; grandchildren, Bethany and husband Danny, and Nathan and wife Jennifer; and the joys of her later years, great-grandchildren, Madeline, Sammy, Jake, Annie and Luke. She treasured her surviving sister, Mary Ellen and brother, Jack; many nieces and nephews; and special longstanding relationships with Jane, Sheryl, Kay, Brenda and Debbie.

Mildred will be interred beside her husband of 55 years, J. Robert Smith, in Glenwood Cemetery, Groveton, Texas. Her life will be celebrated at First Baptist Church of Groveton on Saturday, October 8, 2025 at 12:00 noon, with a reception to follow in the fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, please show a kindness to someone in memory of Mildred.

Memories and condolences may be added, at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.