Claudia Smith

Claudia Lynn Smith, resident of Mexia, Texas entered into heaven February 11th, 2021 at the age of 72. She was born November 2, 1948 in Houston, Texas to John Lee and Maureen Wait. She graduated from Madison High School in Houston, Texas in 1967 and went on to attend Texas State University, known then as Southwest Texas State University, where she received her Registered Nursing license that she would carry for 27 years until retirement. While Claudia was attending school, she found work swimming as an aqua maid in the underwater ballet at Aquarena Springs in San Marcos, Texas and also swam with Ralph the famous swimming pig. Claudia’s passion was horses and barrel racing, and that became her way of life. She made so many life-long friends in the barrel racing community.

Claudia was married to the love of her life, Larry Joe Smith, for 20 years until his passing in April 2020. Claudia’s boys, Travis Harris and Kyle Harris, were her pride and joy, and she was extremely proud of her four grandchildren. Even though Claudia suffered a brain aneurysm four years ago, she never lost her sense of humor and loved to keep her family laughing during their visits. Claudia had a deep love for her horses, dogs and cats, and she loved watching the birds she fed in her backyard. Any animals finding themselves in Claudia’s care had hit the jackpot! Her sense of humor, generosity, and love of people was an inspiration to all who knew her.

Claudia joins her husband, her parents, her brother and sister, and numerous friends in heaven, and is survived by her children: Travis and Kim Harris, Kyle and Nicole Harris; her grandchildren: Alli and Mark Harris, Hayden and Maddie Jo Harris.

The family would like to graciously thank the amazing caregivers that spent so much time caring for Claudia over the last four years.

Arrangements are being made for a private Celebration of Life memorial.

If you would like to make a donation in Claudia’s memory, please consider giving to the animal shelter where she was a volunteer: Laras House (Limestone Animal Rescue Adoption Shelter), P.O. Box 1568, Mexia, Texas 76667