Anita Smith

Anita Jeanne Smith, 96, passed away Wednesday, December 28, 2022, in Waco. A graveside service will be held at 10:00am, Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at Waco Memorial Park.

She was born February 1, 1926, in Duncan, Oklahoma to Andrew and Lora Bewley Neal. Anita grew up in Wichita Falls, Texas.  After high school she, followed Robbie D. Smith, her high school sweetheart, to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. They got married in 1944 and were happily married for 67 years. While in Ft. Lauderdale, she was involved in the USO, where she would help organize different activities for the military men and women that were stationed there.

Anita started at McLennan Community College in 1972 and graduated from Baylor University in 1980 with a degree in Environmental Science. She owned and operated the Baby Dolphin Swim School and retired in 1999 after 30 years. During those years, she and Robbie would often travel to local towns and teach private group lessons. Anita was the volunteer mom, taking her children and others to swim meets and was a room mother for many years.

She was a member of Herring Ave. Methodist Church. After Robbie retired, they enjoyed dancing. They often had to be run off the dance floor at the end of the night.

Anita was preceded in death by her husband, Robbie; parents, Andrew and Lori Neal; daughter, Janet Deeann Smith; son, Robbie D. Smith, Jr.; brother, Jimmy Neal; and sisters, Carol and Gwen

She is survived by her son, Wendell N. Smith.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to your local V.F.W.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Kathy Tadlock, Anita’s main nurse for 9 years, Joe and Sherrie Eyth, and Ron and Janna Beatty.