Palestine High School Alumni Association

03 / 04 / 1957  –  12 / 13 / 2008

Funeral services for Terresa Smith, 51, of Palestine, will be 11.30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, 2008, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Rev. Zacharias Kunnakkattuthara officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery under the direction of Herrington/Land of Memory Funeral Home, Palestine.After a courageous battle with cancer, Terresa passed away with her husband by her side and her family at hand on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2008, at Oceanside, Calif.

She was born March 4, 1957, in Luling, Texas. Her family moved to Palestine in 1965. She was a graduate of Palestine High School. Terresa began her oilfield career while in high school working for Pool Well Service where she worked for 23 years. She then initiated, owned and operated P&L Rental and later bought out Oilfield Anchor Company. Not willing to let this landmark close, she bought Eilenberger’s Bakery. Christmas was her favorite time of the year and Ellenberger’s, being a part of other family Christmas traditions, the long hours involved with the season proved to be a labor of love. She was loved and respected by her employees and all that knew her. Her enduring smile and quiet ways were a joy to all.

After a heart attack in 2001 and the diagnosis of cancer in 2004, she never lost her faith and the strength of that faith gave her comfort and the ability to ease the pain for others close to her. Terresa had a great love for her family and friends and never missed a chance to be with many of her aunts, uncles and cousins. She often hosted family reunions at her home. She had regular trips with her friends to various locations. She cherished these times and kept her friends close to her heart and was thankful for their friendship and love.

She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, The Palestine Junior Service League and Palestine Chamber of Commerce.

Terresa was preceded in death by her sister, Eva Herod, in 2007, and sister-in-law, Debra Royall, in 2008.

Survivors include her devoted husband of 28 years, Stephen K. Smith of Palestine; sons, Lance Cpl. Matthew R. Smith of Camp Pendleton, Calif., and Michael A. Smith of Palestine; daughters, Dr. Shannon M. Ozier of Carlsbad, Calif., and Samantha R. Smith of Oceanside, Calif.; parents, Joe R. Sr. and Linda L. Magallanez of Palestine; parents-in-law, Duane G. and Fern D. Smith of Palestine; brother, Joe Magallanez Jr. of Palestine; sister, Elisa and husband Danny Morgan of Palestine; brothers-in-law, Warren Smith and wife Glynette of Brenham, Bruce Smith and wife Elizabeth of Longview, Tucker Royall of Palestine, and Terry Herod of Tyler, sister-in-law, Janis Bishop and husband Michael of Palestine; and one grandson, Kaydin Alexander Ozier of Carlsbad, Calif.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank all for their prayers and concerns for her family. Everyone can rest easy for she is in the hands of the Lord.

Pallbearers will be nephews, Bobby Wilmeth, Josh Herod, PFC Joseph Magallanez, Jason Smith, Christopher Smith and Hunter Smith.

A rosary will be recited at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, 2008, at Herrington/Land of Memory Chapel. Visitation will follow the rosary service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the building fund at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 503 N. Queen, Palestine, 75801.