Mrs. Ernest W. \Billie\ Smith, 83, of Big Spring, died Wednesday, February 19, 2014 in a local nursing home. Graveside funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday at Mt. Olive Memorial Park with Greg Surles, officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM Friday at the funeral home. She was born September 11, 1930 in Big Spring, Texas and married Ernest W. Smith January 9, 1953 in Hobbs, New Mexico. He preceded her in death November 4, 1997. Mrs. Smith was a member of Howard County pioneer family, George Bell. She graduated Valedictorian from Big Spring High School in 1946 and had been inducted into the BSHS Hall of Fame. She attended Texas Women's College in Denton. She worked for the phone company and electric company before marrying. Her husband, Ernest, was in the United States Air Force and they lived in Europe while in the service and returned to Big Spring in 1969. She then worked for Corbell Electric from 1971 to 1985. She was a member of Birdwell Lane Church of Christ and was active in the ladies group. She also volunteered for hospice and enjoyed traveling with her children and grandchildren. Survivors include one son, David Glenn Smith and wife, Shawna of Big Spring; four daughters, Brenda Kay Snyder and husband, Vern of Cambridge City, Indiana, Lana Lee Brewer and husband, Don of Big Spring, Sandra Gail Alexander of Abilene and Teresa J. Smith of Big Spring; nine grandchildren, Donya Smith and husband, Bucky of Midland, Dondi Thomas and husband, Ryan of Rockwall, Heather Diffee and husband Eric of Big Spring, Brody Smith of Odessa, Tamara Alexander of Keller, Cameron Alexander and wife, Kristen of North Liberty, Iowa, Damien Daniels of Abilene, Jarred Smith of Big Spring and Wayne Snyder and wife, Lisa of McKinney; and 12 great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Mabel Bell Watkins; and a brother, Wesley Pearce. The family suggests memorials to Birdwell Lane Church of Christ Missions Fund, P. O. Box 2094, Big Spring, Texas 79721-2094. Arrangements under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Big Spring. Online condolences may be made at: www.npwelch.com,
