Rebecca Ann “Becky” Smith, age 50, of Brownwood, passed away on Sunday, April 14, 2024. Funeral Services are under the direction of Heartland Funeral Home, with Alvis Fisher and Johnny McCaghren officiating. Visitation will be Friday, April 19, 2024, from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at the Austin Avenue Church of Christ (1020 Austin Ave., Brownwood). Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at 10:00 am at the Austin Avenue Church of Christ. Graveside will be held immediately following in Blanket Cemetery.
Becky was born on April 9, 1974, to Ira and Lottie Todd in De Leon, Texas. She graduated from Blanket High School in 1992. During her time at Blanket, Becky participated basketball, track, and drill team. Becky attended college at Howard Payne University (HPU) and graduated in 1997, with a bachelor’s degree in social work. While at HPU, she was proud to receive the President’s Appreciation Award. Becky started working in the nursing home field during her senior year of college. After graduating from HPU, she obtained her social work license and later that year she obtained her Independent Practice Recognition in social work. Becky worked her entire 27-year career in nursing and rehab facilities in Brown County, as a licensed Social Worker and a Marketing Director. From 2000 until 2019, she served as a member of the HPU Social Work Advisory Board. In 2002, she began supervising social work interns for HPU. She continued to do so through the years, with her most recent student being this school year. Once she even assisted in supervising a UTA graduate intern social work student. Becky was a wonderful mentor to many students. She became certified as an Assisted Living Manager in 2010, and was honored with the Spirit of Social Work Award in 2016. At the time of death, she was a twelve-year employee of Pecan Bayou Nursing & Rehab.
Becky was a natural helper who loved volunteering and serving others in her community. Some of her volunteer opportunities included Lions club, Boy Scouts, American Cancer Society, Early Chamber of Commerce, Brownwood Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis Club, Pioneer Days, Brownwood Reunion, Good Samaritan Ministries, American Heart Association, Relay for Life, and many more.
She married Rafe Smith on October 28, 1999, and they made a home raising two children. She loved to travel with her family, and they were at state number 38 on their quest to visit all 50 states. She loved to spend time with her family and friends. She was a member of the 4th and Stewart Church of Christ.
She is survived by her husband Rafe Smith, son Aaron Smith, and daughter Rachel Smith. Also survived by her mother Lottie McCombs, mother-in-law Kathy Smith, sisters Tammie Todd, Theresa Strom, Rena Craft (Anthony), and Michelle Dickey, brother-in-law’s Stacy Smith (Deneice) and Brad Waugh (Patty).
She was preceded in death by her father Ira Todd, father-in-law Freddy Smith, Mother-in-law Joyce (Townsend) Smith, brother-in-law Bryan Smith, nephew Ty Gillespie, and niece April Freeman.
