Rhonda Joy Smith

Funeral services for Rhonda Joy Smith, 71, of Huntington will be held Saturday, December 21, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel in Lufkin with Pastor Lamar Denby officiating. Interment will follow in the Treadwell Cemetery with Pastor Cary Modisett officiating.

Mrs. Smith was born October 3, 1953 in Lufkin, Texas to the late Dottie Mae (Pelton) and William Anderson Gilliland, Sr., and died Monday, December 16, 2024 at her residence.

Rhonda and Delton married December 18, 1971. Leaving prior to their 53rd anniversary on December 18, 2024. Rhonda and Delton loved each other dearly. In Delton’s words, “the love of my life”. Rhonda graduated as the Salutatorian from Zavalla High School. She played forward basketball and was voted Most Valuable Basketball player. Rhonda was a true servant of the Lord. She was an excellent cook and made many a meal. She and Delton delivered to many friends a special meal when they were sick or if a loved one had passed. Rhonda loved crafts and canning and would deliver special baskets to very special people. Rhonda was a true caregiver, taking care of her precious in-laws, Shirley and Ray Smith, and her beautiful mother, Dottie Mae. A bright sunshining day with leaves falling, Rhonda’s gorgeous porcelain skin, blue eyes sparkling and looking up to Heaven, Rhonda saw Jesus and was with Him in an instant. Rhonda Joy Smith graduated to Heaven December 16, 2024. One of her favorite quotes is, “Always pray to have eyes that see the best in people, a heart that forgives the worst, a mind that forgets the bad, and a soul that never loses faith in God.”

Survivors include her husband, Delton Smith of Huntington; daughter, Jenny Hawkins and husband Brent of Livingston; son, Shawn Smith and wife Chrystal of Corrigan; grandchildren, Gracie Whisenant and husband Logan of Livingston, Hannah Amidon and husband Jalen of Fort Walton, Florida, Kalyn Smith of Corrigan, Halle Hawkins of Livingston, Dylan Smith of Corrigan; great-grandson, Bentley Whisenant of Livingston; great-granddaughter, Birdie Amidon of Fort Walton, Florida; father, William Anderson Gilliland, Sr. of Zavalla; sister, Terri Maberry and husband Mike of Huntington; brother-in-law, Keith Smith and wife Kim of Huntington; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and special friends.

She was preceded in death by her mother; brothers, Robbie Forrest, Andy Gilliland; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ray and Shirley Smith.

Pallbearers will be Zach Maberry, Mike Maberry, Mike Pelton, Brent Hawkins, Aaron Smith, and Jed Pinner.

Honorary pallbearers will be Kenneth Smith, Byron Smith, Jr., Kerwin Smith, Karey Lee, Keith Mixon, and Keith Smith.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to Highway Missionary Baptist Church, Building Fund, P.O. Box 848, Huntington, Texas 75949.

A special thank you to PineCrest Rehabilitation staff for their excellence in care.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday evening at the funeral home in Lufkin.

Memories and condolences may be added, and live webcasting of the services may be viewed, at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.