Lila Lois Smith
Obituary
Lila Lois Smith passed peacefully on Saturday, April 16th, 2016 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Lila was born July 24, 1937 in Houston, Texas to Emmett and MaryAnn Hall. After graduation from Classen High School in Oklahoma City, she received degrees from Austin College and the University of Texas. A talented mathematician, she worked professionally for IBM as Systems Engineer.
Lila was a loving wife and mother, who approached each day with energy, enthusiasm, and a smile. She was an active supporter and volunteer at the Parent/Child Center of Tulsa, Reading Partners for elementary school students, youth soccer coach, and a leader of summer mission trips for Kirk high schoolers. Lila had a passion for each child’s well-being, growth and happiness.
She is survived by her husband, Dr. Jerry Smith, daughter Leigh Smith and husband John Fankhanel of Phoenix, Arizona, and daughter Ashley Smith of Washington, DC, her sisters, Genie Tumilty of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Carolyn Cobbs of Kerrville, Texas, and her cousin, Marilynn Taylor of Granbury, Texas. She leaves behind a legacy of family love, nieces and nephews and their children, and their children’s children.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm Friday, April 22nd at First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa, 709 S. Boston Ave, Tulsa, Oklahoma. To remember Lila, friends may donate to the Parent/Child Center of Tulsa, 1421 S. Boston Ave., Tulsa, Oklahoma 74119.
Events
Tributes & Memories
Lila Smith was the lead IBM Systems Engineer on the Amoco Production account in Tulsa when I joined IBM out of college in 1968. After working for several months at Amoco Research, I was assigned to work on Lila's team. I was in way over my head to say the least! Lila was great to go way out of her way to help me be productive and always available to answer questions or help me rough out tasks on projects she assigned. She was so very capable and technologically gifted. And most importantly an all around amazing person. I will never forget her support and example of handling a very challenging account assignment and doing it with amazing skill and talent as well as grace and kindness. My sympathies to her family, I know she is greatly missed.
Jack Muehl
Oh my- we did not always agree but what a supper nice lady.
Ditto Lehr
Lit a candle in memory of Lila Lois Smith
Chuck and Teresa Vaughn
Sending prayers of comfort to all of her family and many friends. Lila was such a wonderful and caring person. She will be missed. Our deepest sympathy. Chuck and Teresa Vaughn Adrienne Vaughn Leonard Allison Vaughn Hardgrave
Chuck and Teresa Vaughn
I am so sorry for your family. Lila was so good for the girls teaching them their soccrer skills and always encouraging them. I appreciate all she did for them.m9t
Janet Stutsman
Dr. Smith, We would like to express our condolences to you and your family on the loss of your beautiful wife. We pray that you might be comforted by your fond memories, your family and your friends during this difficult time. Glynn and Sandy McCauley Cushing
Glynn and Sandy McCauley
My heart aches. I loved Lila with a love reserved for few. She was the most fun loving, even natured, positive and impressive woman I have ever known. We shared so many fun times playing soccer, running along the river and special times spent just visiting. She was a truly amazing person and will be missed more than I can imagine.
Sam Keel
My condolences to your family. I work with Lila at The Parent Child Center of Tulsa and thoroughly enjoyed each moment. She was witty, kind, and always said what she thought!
Chris Gleason