Lena Smith

Lena Mae Reiland Smith, 84, passed away on January 9, 2014, in Live Oak Nursing Home in George West, Texas. Lena Mae was born December 3, 1929, in Corpus Christi, Texas, the daughter of Mrs. Lela Marguerite (Tomblin) Cotton and Mr. Benjamin H. Reiland of Corpus Christi, Texas. Lena Mae graduated from high school in Hebbronville, Texas, in 1947. She then attended and graduated as a Registered Nurse from Baptist Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in San Antonio, May 19, 1950. Lena Mae had a wonderful career of Nursing in several South Texas communities that also became her home during her lifetime of caring and service to others. In 1950, Lena Mae began her career in the Freer Hospital until 1968. She had friends in the Live Oak Nursing Center that knew her and loved her from her early nursing days and care that started in the Freer Hospital. She became the County Health Nurse in Atascosa after moving to Pleasanton in 1968, where she also served on the Health Board in the County. In 1978, Lena Mae worked as an RN in private practice in Kingsville until she retired from her long Nursing career. Lena Mae is survived by her husband of 62 years, Marion Edward Smith, and their two daughters and son, Donna Appelt (and husband, Bill) of Three Rivers, Texas, Janis Dean of San Marcos, Texas, and Ben Smith (and wife, Karen) of Spring, Texas. She is also survived by her four cherished grandchildren, William Dean, Donna Dean, Robert Smith and Ryan Smith. Lena Mae was a member of the First Baptist Church of Three Rivers, where she has resided since she and Edward retired, in 1986. Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, January 10, 2014, at Galloway & Sons Funeral Home Chapel in Three Rivers. Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, January 11, 2014, at First Baptist Church in Three Rivers. Interment will follow at the Freer Cemetery in Freer, Texas, at 2 p.m.