Zelda Ray Smith

Zelda Ray Smith, 89, of Amarillo, died peacefully on August 26, 2024, at her home, surrounded by her family.

The family will receive guests on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Schooler Funeral Home, 4100 South Georgia.

The funeral service will be on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at 12:00 PM at Schooler Funeral Home, Brentwood Chapel, with Rev. Greg Corona of Hillside Christian Church officiating. The interment will be at Llano Cemetery.

Zelda was born in Memphis, Texas, on February 17, 1935, to her parents, Elliott Horactio and Ellen Lorean Adcock Saunders. She married R. B. Smith on April 8th, and they raised their five children together.

Zelda was known for her unwavering strength and loving nature, welcoming all into her home with open arms. R.B. was truck driver, it was up to Zelda to maintain order in the home; ensuring the children received the love and discipline required and that she did! She was strong and tough as nails but one of the most loving and caring individuals you could ever know. She knew every man, woman, and child in the neighborhood, loving everyone. 

Her passion for sewing, crocheting, ceramics, and creating beautiful quilts will leave a lasting impression on all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Glen Saunders; two sisters, Lola Mae Cathy, and Odessa Lindley; her husband, R.B. Smith; her grandchildren, Daniel Smith, Lauren Smith, and Stacey Latham; and two daughters-in-law, Ronda Smith and Loopy Smith.

Zelda is survived by her daughter, Connie Latham; her sons, Carol Ray Smith and his wife Jackie, Anthony Smith and his wife Carmelita, Charles Smith, and Raymond Smith, all of Amarillo; fourteen grandchildren, James, Kelly, Michael, Kenneth, Kenda, Adam, Landon, Gayle, Gary, Julie, Coy, Kimberly, Misty, and Brandon; twenty-two great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.