Esta Ivell Smith, age 98, of Brady, passed away Sunday, February 16, 2025 at her residence in Brady. Ivell was born on November 23, 1926 in Stanton, Texas to Audy Calvin Snodgrass and Edna Bernicce (Chance) Snodgrass. She was the fifth child of eleven. She grew up in Lohn and graduated from Lohn High School. She married Joe Whitfield Smith on March 30, 1946 in Mason. She worked as a bookkeeper for Gartman’s Butane in Brady for over 32 years, retiring in 2006 when Gartman’s closed. She was a sassy, in-charge, hard working woman. Ivell was a fantastic cook, who loved to play volleyball and softball and even played baseball with her great-grandchildren. She was a big fan of the Dallas Cowboys and the Texas Rangers. Ivell enjoyed fishing with a cane pole, being around family and family reunions. She volunteered for Hillbilly Hits for over 20 years. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Brady.
A Celebration of Life service for Ivell Smith will be held at 11:00am, March 1, 2025, at the First Baptist Church in Brady with Reverend Keith Simpson officiating. The family will receive friends Saturday morning, prior to the service from 10 to 11 at the church. Friends may view and/or sign Ivell’s online memorial guest book at www.leatherwoodmemorialchapels.com.
Ivell Smith is survived by her sons Joe Dale Smith and wife Kay of Roscoe, Texas and Roy Smith and wife Teresa of Brady, Texas; sister Brenda Ziriax and husband Pastor Don of Brady, Texas; Sister-in-law Susan Snodgrass of Cuero, Texas; grandchildren Bobby Smith, Sandra Montgomery, Stacey Vogelpohl and husband Jeff, Cindy Plaia and husband Justin, and T.J. Hodges and wife Taylor: great-grandchildren Collin, Hunter, Tanner, Kara, Kolby, Colter, Grace, Jacob, and Lily-Ann; 6 great-great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, spouse, daughter Gayle Hodges, five brothers and 4 sisters. Memorial contributions in memory of Ivell Smith may be made to the Heart of Texas Country Music Museum, 1701 South Bridge Street, Brady, Texas 76825.
