Brenda Sue Smith
1946-2015
Surrounded 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.
