Brenda Sue Smith

Brenda Sue Smith

1946-2015

smith brenda sue picSurrounded by her family, Brenda Sue (Williams) Smith went to be with our Lord Wednesday, June 24, 2015 after more than four years living with Alzheimer’s and a very recent and short battle with cancer.  Lovingly nicknamed “Mess” by her husband, Larry, Brenda brought joy to all who knew her.  Her car tag read “IMMESS”. She had a fun spirit and enjoyed decorating the house with simple things like frog and turtle figurines, a rubber Pink Panther that was moved from place to place in the kitchen each week, and a stuffed Big Bird that says “Peek a Boo” when you turn the light on.  She could fix anything with hot glue; decorated anything that didn’t move with whimsical decals; played pranks on Larry; and put her lip print on every card and the back of every envelope. She had a beautiful smile, a tender heart full of compassion and love for others less fortunate, and a mind full of wit and simple pleasures.

Born in Okemah, Oklahoma, Brenda grew up on a farm near Elmore City with her parents, Adrian and Juanita Williams, and brothers, Dale and Jerry.  After graduating from Elmore City High School in 1964 Brenda moved to Oklahoma City and soon married Don Dorrell, who had a son, Donnie. In 1966 they had a daughter, Shanda.  They lived in Lawton, Dallas, San Francisco, Nashville, and Houston.  In 1970, Brenda and Shanda moved to Oklahoma City where Brenda later met “the love of her life”, Larry Smith, who had a daughter, Shonda.  Soon after marrying in 1973, Larry and Brenda started Larry Smith Advertising Agency, later to be renamed Smith & Associates.  Their son, Tyler, born in 1977, eventually became owner of the agency and renamed it Traction.  Larry and Brenda retired in 2008, enjoying a happy home life — traveling, playing golf and spending time with family and good friends.

Through the years, Brenda and Larry were members of various Baptist churches and most recently, enjoyed LifeChurch.tv online each Sunday.  Brenda was a strong and courageous Christian, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, and a true friend – in that order.  Her bright spirit and eclectic style and taste will be remembered by all.  If Brenda had written her own obituary, it would be focused more on her children and grandchildren than anything, would put her loving husband, Larry, on a pedestal, would have a few auto-correct issues and multiple colorful emoji icons, would have her signature reading “Mess”, and would be sealed with a lip print kiss.

She is survived by her husband, Larry; daughter Shanda and husband Chris; step-daughter Shonda and husband Eric; son Tyler and wife Kathy; grandchildren Taylor, Court, Joe, Emma, Jack and Braddock (to be born soon); brother Jerry and wife Linda; a large number of loving cousins; and many close friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Adrian and Juanita; her brother, Dale; and her first husband, Don.  A memorial service celebrating the life of Brenda will be held at Matthews Funeral Home, 601 S. Kelly, Edmond, OK, at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 18.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Oklahoma Alzheimer’s Association.

11 thoughts on “Brenda Sue Smith”

  1. Brenda,

    It was nice seeing you and your daughter at Mother’s house close to Elmore City one evening a few years ago, and hearing of your happy and successful life. It is always a pleasure to hear that one has made a better life here on earth and prepared for a much better life in heaven. May God welcome you in your new home with welcome arms and rest in peace.

    My husband David and I give our sincere condolences to your family. I know you will be missed. Especially that little tinkle in your laugh. Rest in peace.

    Wilma

  2. Lance and Bobbie Hiltbrand

    Always in our memory are the times we met at your house for a cocktail before leaving for dinner some place nice. Your smile was always there and you always had nice things to say. You and Larry were such a sweet couple. We shall miss you very much. Who will put a grape in my glass of wine?

  3. There are not words to say how I will miss Brenda even if most or our conversations have been on Facebook the last several years. She always came to say hi and give me a hug at work. I pray for peace and strength for your family. I am proud of the man Tyler has become and care that he has been giving to his Mom for several years. Larry you will be in my heart, thoughts and prayers, I know you have lost a true friend

  4. Fletcher Ownbey

    Larry and Ty-what a gracious and vibrant lady we all came to know. I always felt like family when I came to the agency, having met you all through Ralph Tyler and Harold McEwen. You all will be in our prayers and I know look forward to that amazing reunion. I’m sure Brenda is all ready making a joyous mess of things!

    Love and prayers-

    Fletcher and Jama Ownbey

  5. Mike and Ruby Chaney

    While we did not know Brenda very long, we enjoyed our evening on the patio having a glass of wine and getting to know each other, and, talking to each other over the fence. Brenda’s love and appreciation for her husband was quite obvious. We wish we had been able to spend more time together.

  6. John & Jacki Schilberg

    John and I just found out the sad news. We had the joy and honor of knowing Brenda just five short years but every time we met, she was just a delight. Larry, we are so sorry your family will be without her for a while but you will be together again. She is getting things ready for you all, I am sure!

  7. John and Diane Loesel

    Larry and Ty, Brenda will always be remembered in our hearts as a gracious woman who loved her family fiercely, was our sweet friend and second mom to our son. I never quite understood how she became known as “mess” since she always seemed to be the one planning and fixing things but maybe it was because of her sense of humor that was always present, her lively spirit and her quick wit. We are thankful our paths crossed and were able to call her and both of you, friends. Sending our love and prayers to you during this tough time. John and Diane

  8. john longmire

    Larry – At times like this, I’m always reminded of the following Irish blessing:

    “May the road rise to meet you.

    May the wind always be at your back.

    May the sun shine warm upon your face;

    the rains fall soft upon your fields

    and until we meet again,

    may God hold you in the palm of His hand.”

  9. Nan Graham

    My dearest friend, Brenda, handled her 4 years of Alzheimer’s with such grace & humor, along with a generous dose of wisdom. She became my best email buddy in my retirement years for the last 8 years, brightening my day, every day. Her victory was that she kept her good mind long enough to plan & tell her loved ones how they mattered in her life!

    Larry & Brenda & I shared our families & our lives with laughter & a few tears from the earliest days of my Residential Real Estate . Her daughter, Shanda, at the time 9 years old, along with 5 other kids, delivered my “Nan’s News” for their choice of treats. Shanda was instrumental in Larry & Brenda listing their Edgewater home with me. One of my first Listing & Sale was theirs. My last listing & sale was Ty’s, their son’s home.

    My Sons, Todd & Mark, & I benefited from the many lovely homes that the Smiths bought & sold with me… & most of all from the gift of their great family’s love!

    I shall picture Brenda surely in Heaven. I am so fortunate to have shared her family & our Brenda of the wonderful smile. Her Obituary captured her spirit, a fitting tribute! May God hold your hands in His & give you Peace.

  10. Larry, Jerry and to the rest of the family. My condolences goes out to all of you. I remember Brenda as we were growing up and that she always had a smile on her face. I didn’t see much of her in later years except at our family reunions with that same smile. May God bless each of you.

  11. Mitzi hancuff

    Larry, I have such nice memories of you from the Edmond rotary club. Hope if you are in the area you can return for a visit. Blessings to you. Wish I had known Brenda as she sounds like a jewel.
    Hugs to you. Mitzi Hancuff

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