Edwena Smith Drinkard, 87, of Brownwood, went to her home in glory with Jesus Christ on Tuesday, April 6, 2010, surrounded by her loving family.

A memorial service to celebrate her life will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Heartland Funeral Home in Brownwood, TX. Visitation is scheduled from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday. Services will be officiated by her son, the Rev. Mike Drinkard.

Edwena was born March 21, 1923 in Brownwood to Sam and Ruby Smith. She graduated from Brownwood High School in 1941. Edwena married the love of her life Herman L. Drinkard on November 13, 1945 and they were blessed with three children. Four years after their marriage, the couple moved to Odessa, TX.  Edwena worked at the Ector County Courthouse in the purchasing department for 23 years and they were faithful members of Central Baptist Church Odessa.

Edwena’s faith in Jesus Christ was the most important thing to her and following her retirement, she and her husband traveled around the country working with Campers on Missions. In 1995, Edwena returned to Brownwood with her husband and joined Early First Baptist Church. Throughout her life, Edwena loved to sing and play the piano.

Edwena was preceded in death by two brothers, Fernoye Smith and Audis Smith.

She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Herman L. Drinkard, who was never far from her side. Survivors also include sons, Mike Drinkard and wife Edwana, of Bois d’Arc, TX, and Rob Drinkard and wife Melody, of Gardendale; daughter, Deanna Smith and husband Luke, of Gainesville, TX; sisters Anita Thomas, Molly Sears, both of Brownwood, and Sammie Chambers of Coleman; eight grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren.

Grandsons and great-grandsons Todd Drinkard, Randy Drinkard, Stephen Drinkard, Thomas Drinkard, Mason Drinkard, David Plunk, Ed Wolff and Riley Higgins will serve as pallbearers.

The family would like to thank the staff of Songbird Lodge Nursing Home and Solaris Home Hospice for the loving care they provided to our ‘Memie.’