Gayle Smothers

Gayle Smothers passed away Saturday, March 3, 2018. We will gather for the Holy Rosary at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 7, 2018 at Lake Ridge Chapel, followed by a reception. Family and friends will gather to celebrate her life of 66 years on Thursday, March 8, 2018, at 10 a.m. at Christ the King Cathedral. Cremation services will be provided by Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers Crematory. 

Gayle was born on March 19, 1951 to Claude and Annah Thomas in Lubbock, Texas. On December 27, 1971, Gayle married the love of her life, John Smothers, at Christ the King Cathedral in Lubbock, Texas. She was a devout Catholic and was passionate about her family. She attended Christ the King School from first grade though her graduation from Christ the King High School in 1969.  She was homecoming queen, head cheerleader, active in drama, playing numerous roles in the Shakespearian Festivals and was involved in many clubs on campus.  She worked her way through her college education with jobs at Read and Company and later as Assistant to the CFO of Furr’s Supermarkets. During her time at Texas Tech, Gayle was selected as the annual Rose Queen by the fraternity of Delta Sigma Pi.  She graduated from Texas Tech University in 1975 with a Bachelor of Business Degree. After graduation she continued to be active at Christ the King School, serving on the School Board and was instrumental in the formation of the Christ the King Cathedral School Foundation and contributed the first endowed scholarship in honor of her deceased father.  Following Gayle’s first victory over breast cancer, she established the Prayer Shawl Ministry at Christ The King Cathedral with many blessed shawls continually being distributed to the sick and dying. Gayle also worked for several years with the Scottish Rite Learning Center, assisting in the education of children with dyslexia.  Gayle was artistic and a great lady of style.  She had a unique ability to make things look just right, whether it was how you needed to dress, how the flowers should be arranged, a table set, or a room or a house. Gayle loved to cook and to entertain and no detail was overlooked.  Gayle was most proud of her family and what she accomplished as a loving devoted Catholic wife, a patient and loving mother and a beautiful and joyous grandmother. Gayle was a  lady of great character, whose judgement, humour and friendly spirit brought out the finest in those around her.  The influence of her life upon others is a flame that will burn brightly forever.  She left so much good with every soul she touched on this earth.

Survivors include her husband, John Carroll Smothers; mother, Annah Jo Thomas; sons, Steve David Smothers and wife, Christi; and Ryan Thomas Smothers; grandchildren, Sydney, Ethan, and Elijah Smothers; sisters, Linda Gilliam and husband, Bruce of Burleson, Texas; and Marilyn Dixon; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Claude Addison Thomas, Jr..