Elsie Mae Smart
Wed, 01/14/2015 - 14:59
News Staff
Elsie Mae Smart, age 71 of Lake Brownwood, Texas, passed away Dec. 24, 2014, at Hendrick Hospice Care in Abilene. Although she had battled ovarian cancer for the last two years, Elsie died peacefully. Elsie was born May 27, 1943 in Gorman, Texas, to Herbert and Willie Mae (Benson) Cain of Rising Star. She grew up in Rising Star with her parents, grandparents, and sister along with many aunts, uncles and cousins. She later welcomed a half-brother. Elsie married Coley F. Smart of Cross Plains. They were married for 55 years and had four children. Elsie worked at the District State Farm Insurance Office in Stephenville, Texas as an Executive Administrative Secretary for many years before retiring. While her and Coley enjoyed the home they built on Lake Brownwood, they also enjoyed the time they spent “wintering” at Woody Acres Resort in South Texas. It’s here they made many wonderful friends. Elsie was an expert seamstress and loved crafts, crocheting, reading, shopping, traveling and camping, especially at Proctor Lake. Coley, Elsie and their four children spent many summers at Proctor enjoying camping, boating, skiing, fishing and spending time with family and friends. She especially looked forward to the Benson Family Reunion every June since 1965 at Proctor Lake and never missed a one. Above all, Elsie loved her family. Elsie was a member of the Rocky Creek Baptist Church. She loved her Rocky Creek friends and peers and always looked forward to the volunteer opportunities through her church. She truly enjoyed being a part of her church and cherished her friendships with her ladies group, The Dorkus. She is survived by her husband Coley of Lake Brownwood; daughter Tonya Denton and her husband Roy of Thebes, IL.; son Tony Smart and wife Opal of Abilene; son Marcus Smart; son Waylon Smart and his wife Wendy of Lake Jackson, Texas. She is survived by eight grandchildren: Tenaya Winkelman of Cedar Hill, Texas; Daniel Nickols of Mineral Wells, Texas; Nathan and Travis Smart of Abilene; Coley and Savannah Smart of Lake Jackson; Keri and Levi Smart of Marble Falls, Texas; one great-granddaughter, Theä Winkelman of Cedar Hill. Elsie is survived by her sister Juanita Crouch and half-brother Johnny Williams, both of Abilene. Elsie will be remembered for her quick wit, spirit of adventure, leadership, laughter and her love for life. All who knew and loved her will dearly miss her. A lovely memorial service was held in Elsie's honor on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2014 at the Rocky Creek Baptist Church with The Rev. Rick Justice presiding. Her ashes will be laid to rest at the Rising Star Cemetery.