Darlene Smith

Funeral services for Syble Darlene Smith, 82, of Lufkin will be held Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Jacob Fitzgerald officiating. Interment will follow in Largent Cemetery.

Darlene was born April 5, 1942 in Lufkin, Texas to the late Dorothy (Nessmith) and J.C. “Shorty” Avera, and died Friday, March 28, 2025 in a local nursing home, with her family present. She was a lifetime resident of Lufkin and retired from the office of Dr. George Thannisch following more than 20 years as office manager.

In the words of James, “I would rate Darlene, if 10 was the highest number, a wonderful 10”. She was a smart, hardworking, honest Christian that loved the Lord. She had a red line and if you crossed it she would let you know (in a nice way the first time). Darlene loved church and had many friends in churches over the years. She loved the Gaither’s gospel music. Darlene loved cooking for Christmas and Thanksgiving and many of her recipes are still being used today by the family during the holidays. She adored her grandchildren and enjoyed babysitting them and watching them play sports. Darlene will be dearly missed by James and all of her family, but she is in a happy place with her mom, dad, and nieces.

Survivors include her husband, James Smith of Lufkin; daughter and son-in-law, Lynette and Chad York of Lufkin; son and daughter-in-law, Ruston and Katrina Smith of Lufkin; grandchildren and spouses, Brandon and Jinny Schmidt, Jordan Schmidt, Riley and Holly Smith, and Reed Smith; great-grandchildren, Kaisynn Schmidt, Bransyn Schmidt, Ethan Schmidt, Brylee Schmidt, Beau Schmidt, and Mary Kate Smith; sisters and brother-in-law, Elsie and Bill Simpson, and Jonnie Hollingsworth, all of Lufkin; brother and sister-in-law, Jimmie and Tanya Avera of Silsbee; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother-in-law, Tommy Hollingsworth; and nieces, Janet Procter and Kristen Schmidt.

Pallbearers will be Chad York, Brandon Schmidt, Riley Smith, Reed Smith, Jordan Schmidt, and Nick Thomason.

Memorial contributions may be made to Denman Avenue Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1351, Lufkin, Texas 75902.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Wednesday afternoon prior to the services.

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

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.