Mabel Frances Cain Smith

Mabel Frances Cain Smith departed this earth and entered heaven on Aug. 19, 2015 at 10:20 p.m. at the age of 91. Mabel is predeceased by  her husband Milton Reece Smith, her brother James Cain and sister Mary Pittman. Mabel is lovingly remembered by her children Carolyn  Burtner, Patty (Steve) Wallace, Jeannie (Jeff) Chapman and Milton (Tina) Smith. She is also remembered by her grandchildren Michael (Suzanne) Burtner, Lindsey (Anthony) Hammett, Kimberly Wallace,  Christa (Nick) Thomas, Mika (David) McMurray, Kelly (Erik) Melton and Laurie (Mark) Prihoda. Mabel was blessed with 11 great-children: Tarren Burtner, Aiden Burtner, Tucker Melton, Hope Burtner,  Morgan Burtner, Maddy Burtner, Ethan Melton, Owen Hammett, Evan Melton, Marlee McMurray and Emma Melton. Mabel was born in Electra, Texas on Jan. 20, 1924. She lost her parents at age five and she lived in the Methodist Children’s Home in Waco until 18. She worked as a secretary and then became a housewife after her children were born. Mabel was married to Milton Reece Smith on November 12, 1944 in Richardson. He was her best friend and the love  of her life in marriage for 44 years. Mabel enjoyed music and sang in her church choir and taught Sunday School. She also enjoyed basket crafting and cooking for her family. Mabel had a heart for serving others thru her volunteer work with Meals on Wheels, Women’s Crisis Hotline, Amen Food  Pantry and school mentor. Mabel was devoted to her faith in Jesus Christ and she would want all of us to believe in Him and to grow in our personal relationship with Him. These words in John 14:1 gives us a glimpse of Mabel’s faith at this time: Jesus said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe in me.” A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Van Alstyne, Texas at 301 S. Preston on Aug. 29, 2015 at 2 p.m. A graveside service will be held at Restland Cemetery on Aug. 29, 2015 at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Mabel’s memory to t he Methodist Children’s Home at 1111 Herring Avenue, Waco, Texas. Condolences for the family may be offered online at http:// www.alternativefuneralcremation. com/obituaries/Mabel- Smith-7/.