Patti Smith

Patti Fain Smith, 96, of Mexia passed away September 25, 2010 in Waco, Texas. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM, Tuesday, September 28, 2010 at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Brad Brittain officiating. Interment will follow in the Mexia Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be 5-7 p.m., Monday,at the funeral home. Patti was born October 24, 1913 in El Paso, Texas to Pat and Tommie (Snead) Fain. She grew up and attended school in Graham, Texas. Patti met her future husband, Blake Smith, Jr. at a party held at the reunion grounds while visiting in Mexia one summer. Live music was played in the pavilion in those days and it was love at first sight for Patti and Blake. They were married on July 20, 1935. Patti and her new husband soon moved from a quaint little house on Canton Street in Mexia to the then newly built Blake Smith Lodge, where she has continued to live for over 70 years. Being raised in a formal home in Graham had not prepared Patti for the rustic, new lodge that she was to call home for so many years to come; but, true to her nature, she buckled down and soon learned what was required to efficiently run her new country home. Through the years, family and many friends have gathered at the lodge to celebrate special occasions and holidays. Patti and Blake made these occasions in their home more enjoyable by the overwhelming love and warmth they shared with everyone. This is where Patti and Blake raised their two sons, Blake Smith, III and Robert Pat Smith, Sr. Through the years, Patti has been associated with many organizations in Mexia. She was an active member of the Mexia Women's Golf Association, Garden Club, Friday Club and Bridge Club, where she enjoyed many hours of competitive fun with her friends. Patti was also named Mexia Woman Of The Year. She and Blake, among many other endeavors, were instrumental in building the General Mexia Hospital, now Parkview Hospital, where Blake served on the board of directors for many years. Patti organized and served as president of the Women's Auxiliary Pink Ladies at the hospital numerous times through the years�working tirelessly wherever she saw a need. She and her family were active members in the First United Methodist Church in Mexia for many years. Until recent months, Patti had been a vision of health. She has enjoyed a wonderful, long and fulfilling life with accomplishments that have touched the lives of so many. She will be missed by her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and son, Blake Smith, III. Patti is survived by her son, Robert Pat Smith, Sr. and wife Barbara; two grandsons, Blake Smith, IV and Robert Pat Smith, Jr.; two granddaughters, Shelli Smith Nabors and Jill Smith; brother, Bob Fain; and nephews, Bobby, Tommy, Pat and Bruce Fain. Pallbearers will be Pat Fain, Johnny Tacker, Hayden Haskins, Jimmy Baldree, Rick Holloway and Jon Holloway. Honorary pallbearers will be Bobby Fain, Tommy Fain, Bruce Fain and Johnny Nabors. Memorials may be directed to the First United Methodist Church in Mexia or Providence Hospice of Mexia.