Elizabeth Anne Smith
Obituary
Elizabeth (Liz) Anne Wilson Wood Smith was born July 8, 1928 in Tulsa, OK to Dr. W.M. & Elizabeth Josephine Wilson and passed from this life on June 2, 2015 at the age of 86.
Liz was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Harry Lacy Wood; and her brother, Dr. W.M. Wilson, Jr. She is survived by her husband, Dr. Norval Ross Smith; children, Katherine Wood Sears and husband Dr. Larry Sears of Gainesville, TX, Michael L. Wood of Grand Prairie, TX, Robin Wood Freeman and husband Gary Freeman of Plano, TX, W.M. "Todd" Wilson, III and wife Lori Wilson of Reno, NV, Velma L. Smith, Dr. Gregg A. Smith and Kevin Burleson of Tulsa; 10 grandchildren; and one great grandchild.
Liz graduated from Will Rogers High School and then earned a degree in Biology from SMU. She taught elementary school in Tulsa for two years before marrying Harry, a US Air Force pilot. Liz was a homemaker until her children reached high school. She then began her career with Texas Employment Commission until her retirement in 1987. Liz reunited with and married her high school sweetheart, Norval, in 1987. She enjoyed travel, church and was a masterful bridge player. She was a long standing member of Boston Avenue Methodist Church. Liz will be remembered for her kind, loving and generous nature and her energetic spirit. She was loved by many people she helped along the way. Family was everything to her. Many have been blessed by her presence and will be enriched by memories of her.
The family would like to thank Vivian Stephens for all the love and care that she tirelessly has given to Liz and Norval over the last year.
Liz will lie in state 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday with family receiving friends from 5-7 p.m. at the Ninde Brookside Funeral Home. A funeral will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday at the Boston Avenue United Methodist Church. She will be laid to rest at Memorial Park Cemetery. Contributions may be made in her memory to either Boston Avenue United Methodist Church, 1301 S. Boston, Tulsa, OK 74119 or Cookson Hills Christian Ministries, 60416 Highway 10, Kansas, OK 74347.
Events
Tributes & Memories
So sorry for your loss. I didn't know Liz well, but will always remember the lovely retirement party she hosted for Dr. Smith and my mother, Charlotte. You have my deepest condolences.
Mary Campbell
My prayers go to the family for the loss of Liz. I knew Liz for only a few years but I so enjoyed the times I spent with her. I liked hearing the wonderful stories she told about her dad's life. She was always a gracious hostess at holidays in her home and I am thankful to have been there to celebrate with her and Norval and their family. I will miss you Liz. See you when Jesus comes to take us home. Perri
Perri Cox
I was so blessed to have known Mrs. Smith. I've been fortunate enough to rent her mother's house on Utica, which she loved. I always looked forward to rent time because it meant I got to see Elizabeth and Norval and have wonderful chats with them. I'm so grateful that on my last visit, we talked for almost an hour. She told such wonderful stories of her travels abroad, her youth, and always her family of which she dearly loved and was so proud. She was a joy and I've been blessed to have known her. She will be sorely missed. But I'm happy in the thought that we will meet again.
Christina Carlton
We Rubottom children will miss Lizzy so much. How often, she would suddenly appear (often with Norval at her side) when we were in the midst of Wanda and Don's health crises. Mama loves her so much. Daddy and she will miss Lizzy so. I am sure they will be reunited with her in heaven..Our love to you, Norval and all Aunt Lizzy's family.8 decades of friendship...it is remarkable. God bless and keep you all!
Rinda and Jim Skaggs
Our heartfelt sympathy and prayers are with you all. I know Liz was greatly loved and will be missed. Sincerely, Gwynne Montgomery Johnson and Miles Johnson
Gwynne and Miles Johnson
As a proud daughter of the pioneering family of Dr. W.M. Wilson, Tulsa's first dentist, Liz loved her home town and was well versed in its origins. A ready library of fascinating history has been lost. Christians are called to be like Christ. Knowing and loving Elizabeth Anne and being loved by her, you were blessed with someone who actually achieved that. Love, Mary Brady
Mary Brady
It has been said, "Laugh and the world laughs with you, cry and you cry alone", but Elizabeth Anne was a rare individual with whom you could do both. She had a delightful sense of humor with her happy, playful eyes and easy, ready laugh. But she was also shelter in a storm, an ear when you cry, an arm to lean on, a rock to depend on, a wealth of practical wisdom that reflected a keen intellect and a fine mind. Unlike most who retreat from those in need, Elizabeth Anne was a rare person who sought out those who needed her. It is no accident that God sent so many people into her life that did need her. Like Christ she was humble and gentle at heart, and you found rest for your soul. continued on next post.....Mary Brady
Mary Brady
Many prayers of thanksgiving for a life well lived and for comfort for the family of "Aunt Liz" who loved us all so well--especially my mother, Wanda, Lizzy's friend of 83+ years and dorm mate at the end! God and His Grace be with you all.
Don Rubottom (the younger!)
Liz was one of the most loving, generous and patient person I have ever met. Family meant everything to Liz, she will be missed. My prayers go out to the family in this trying time. Love, Jeff, Vicki, Collin and Mason
Vicki Martin