Laura Irene Smiley

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Laura Irene Smiley, known affectionately as Laura to her teacher colleagues, Mrs. Smiley to her students, Cissie to her family, and Nana to her beloved grandchildren. Surrounded by her cherished husband Joffery, sister Vickie, and son Brent, Laura bid farewell in the early hours of Tuesday morning, January 2, 2024, at the age of 80. She was born on August 4, 1943, in Trinidad, Texas, to Helen and Buster Airheart. Predeceased family members include her parents Helen and Buster, and brother Larry. Laura is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Joffery Smiley, her two children Joffery Smiley II and Brent (Sheri) Smiley, four grandchildren including Jarrod (Mandi Kiser) Smiley, Adam (Chelsea) Smiley, Joseph Smiley, Nicolas Smiley, and three great-grandchildren: Porter and Dru Smiley, and Stella Smiley. Laura's impact extends beyond her immediate family. She leaves behind a legacy of love and knowledge, remembered by her sister and lifelong friend Vickie Rolison, cousin and friend Lisa Hebrank, numerous cousins, nephews, nieces, and the many students whose lives she indelibly touched. Growing up in Trinidad, Laura found joy in playing basketball, acting in drama, and sharing her passion for learning. She graduated as valedictorian of her high school class and continued her education at Henderson County Junior College in Athens. During this time, she married her lifelong love, Joffery. Laura went on to graduate magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in English from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches. Later, while being a devoted mother of two boys, she earned her master’s degree in Education. Settling in Tyler in 1968, Laura dedicated herself to teaching at Frankston High School for many years, specializing in business-related skills such as shorthand, accounting, typing, and later, computer programming and applications. Beyond the classroom, Laura, alongside close friends and colleagues Wendy Perry and Celexie Pierson, tirelessly served as the senior class sponsor, organizing events and fundraising for the senior class. In her 'spare' time, Laura enjoyed sewing, cooking, writing poetry, a passion for gold coins and jewelry, her "hot rod" Lincoln, and always ice-cold Coke. Following her official retirement as a teacher, Laura continued to share her passion for learning and teaching, often providing tutoring and academic assistance to her four grandsons and their friends. Visitation with friends and family will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at Stewart Family Funeral Home, 7525 Old Jacksonville Rd, Tyler. Graveside services will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 5, 2024, at Trinidad Cemetery in Trinidad, with Josh Smiley officiating. Pallbearers, including Jason Rolison, Ben Rolison, Jarrod Smiley, Adam Smiley, Nicolas Smiley, and Joseph Smiley, will walk alongside Laura to her final resting place. Honorary pallbearers will include the many students whose lives she touched. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Trinidad Cemetery Association at P.O. Box 205, Trinidad, TX 75163, and the Alzheimer’s Alliance of Smith County. The family expresses gratitude for the love and support received during this challenging time. This tribute is written to you, Mrs. Smiley (Mom). May your red pen have mercy on this paper.

Laura Irene Smiley

August 4, 1943 - January 2, 2024