Rebecca Louise Smith

Rebecca Louise Smith, age 60, of Winnsboro, Texas, passed away on March 7, 2023. Rebecca was born June 15th, 1962 in Big Spring, Texas, to parents Mary Ann Heard and Reginald Thelbert Rives. She graduated from Crane High School in 1981. She was a member of the Crane Golden Cranes marching band and choir, ran track, and was active in 4-H for baking and sewing. Rebecca married the love of her life, John Smith in 1987, and together they raised two children, Danielle and Jason.

Rebecca was a warrior from the time of her birth. She was a full-term four pound baby girl with a deep love for food. She was the epitome of dynamite in a small package, and she proved that through her sassy character. Her journey with her long battle started in her teen years when she was diagnosed with superior mesentaric artery syndrome. At the time, it was a very rare disorder, and it was a blessing to find the right doctor at the right time. She was successfully surgically treated and thrived for several good years, perfecting her culinary skills and enjoying great food with family and friends. Life became tougher for her when she was diagnosed with chronic intestinal pseudo obstruction. Her passion for food became a struggle, but her mantra was always "giving up is not an option." Her battle with CIPO ended after 20 long years, when she was given the gift of life through intestinal transplant. The story of this journey was truly a miracle. It was hope renewed, and it gave Rebecca nine more years with her family and friends. She was able to meet her two youngest grandchildren, enjoy walks around the lake at their home with her dog Xena, watch her flowers grow in her garden, do many craft projects creating gifts for the ones she loved, and help others with advice to get through their own struggles. She was adventurous and loved riding on the back of John's Harley-Davidson motorcycle, spending time outdoors, camping, kayaking, reading, shopping, and watching horror flicks. Her illness did not define her. There was so much more to her, and she did her best to shine through her pain. She did not want others to feel sorry for her, and she did not let it stop her from doing the things she loved. Rebecca always thought of others throughout her struggles, and she encouraged them to keep going. She was our real life superhero and the strongest person we knew.

Rebecca was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Ann and Chief Simpson and father, Reginald Rives. She is survived by her loving husband John Smith of Winnsboro, her daughter Danielle Weeks (Lanson) of Haslet, son Jason Hale (Melody) of Maple Grove, Minnesota, four grandchildren Kaytelin and Gabby Weeks, and Gwendolen and Caspian Hale.

She is also survived by brother Ricky Rives (D’Nan) of Crane, Texas, brother Randy Rives (Tammy) of Corinth, Texas, brother Rocky Rives (Bonnie) of Monahans, Texas, sister Sonja Allmon (Billy) of Crane, Texas and sister Crystal Jackson (Gabe) of Molina, Florida. Sisters-in-law Deana Haliburton (Gene) of Red Oak, Texas; Liz Blackmon (Roy) of Santa Anna, Texas, and Robert Smith of Brownwood, Texas, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews, and her partner-in-crime Donna Halbrooks. A special thanks to Dennis and Toni Horton of Leesburg, Texas, for always being here in our times of need.

Services will be held at the Beaty Funeral Home in Winnsboro, Texas at 2 pm on March 10th. Family visitation and viewing will be held at 1 pm before the funeral service. She will be buried locally at Bethel Cemetery. To view the live stream service please click the link below.

https://www.viewlogies.net/beaty-funeral-home/wlAk20Vxr?pin=535073