Jill Ann Smith

Jill Ann Hooker Smith, 77, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed from this life early Thursday morning, Oct. 11, 2007. Born August 4, 1930, in Wichita Falls, TX, she moved to El Paso at age twelve, was a graduate of the University of Texas at El Paso (BA) with an earned Masters Degree in Child Guidance, and taught first grade at Beall Elementary School and Art at MacArthur Elementary/ Intermediate School. What Jill wanted most in life was a family and she had a beautiful one! She is survived by many family members who loved her very much: Devoted husband, Samuel Smith, four sons - Basil Smith (Kristi), Brian Smith, Sam Smith (Becky) and Miles Smith (fiancé Rose Gomes), four daughters - Jenna Archuletta (Anthony), Sandra Justrabo (Harold), Brenda Strate (David), and Laura Schmidt. Also survived by 21 grandchildren: Byron McMurtrie, Erin McMurtrie, Leslie Archuletta, Lindsey Archuletta, Meghan Smith, Zachariah Smith, Jordan Smith, Konnor Smith, Brandon Smith, Sean Smith, Allison Smith, Alexander Justrabo, Christian Justrabo, Amanda Justrabo, Nathan Robinson, Jeannette Martinez, Justin Strate, Benjamin Strate, Gloria Strate, Haley Schmidt, and Taylor Schmidt. Additionally Jill and Sam have seven great-grandchildren. Also survived by her twin brother, Jack Hooker of San Antonio and sister, Marybeth Deloach, and nieces, Lori Leggett and Becky Yancy. Jill was a dedicated volunteer who contributed much of her time and energy to many causes and organizations. Some of her early service includes: Delta Delta Delta Alumnae President, Cielo Vista Garden Club President, RE. Thomason volunteer with 1000 hours, Brownie leader, Mental Health and Mental Retardation Assoc. board member, Goodwill counselor, PTA room mother, and National Panhellenic Representative. Her love of art was demonstrated by her extensive work with the El Paso Museum of Art where she served as a docent for thirteen years, Guild Board member for nine years, Guild President, as a docent for the Anne Frank in the World exhibit in El Paso, and as 1985 Kermezaar Co-Chairman. Her committee chairmanships included: Preview party chairman, Guild Association meeting chairman, yearbook chairman, properties chairman, secretary, and special projects chairman. As a long-time volunteer for El Paso Pro-Musica, her leadership roles included Guild President and Advisor, EPPM board member, and many committee chairmanships: Yearbook, mailings, concert ushering, bake sales, hospitality, membership, rummage sale, and Soiree. Additionally, she served Backstage with the Arts as organizer and board member, was a member of the National Society of Arts and Letters, the Symphony Guild, and PEO, treasurer of the Ballet of the Americas Ball, and board member for Drive a Meal. Jill was a member of the El Dedon Verde Garden Club and active in the Kern Place Association. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to El Paso Pro-Musica. Services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 15 at St. Clement's Episcopal Church with burial following at Fort Bliss Cemetery. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home-West.