Tributes

Patricia “Gail” Smith, beloved mother, grandmother “Nonnie”, and devoted educator, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas, at the age of 77. Born on August 1, 1947, in Seguin, Texas. Gail spent her early years in Alice, Texas, where she developed the warmth, strength, and enduring spirit that would define her life. She was a woman of faith, blessed with a servant’s heart. She was a member of both St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church and Faith Baptist Church in San Antonio, and while living in Dallas, she attended St. Monica Catholic Church. Gail was a proud graduate of Southwest Texas State Teachers College, where she pursued her passion for education. She dedicated her professional life to shaping young minds, beginning her career at Kennedy High School followed by Memorial High School in Edgewood ISD. After many years of service as a respected high school teacher, she took a position at Stacey Jr-Sr High School in Lackland ISD where she subsequently retired. In San Antonio, she built a beautiful life with her husband, John B. Smith, her high school sweetheart and love of her life, with whom she shared a deep and lasting bond until his passing. Gail’s final years were spent in Dallas, surrounded by family and love. She is survived by her cherished daughters: Debra Rice (Garrett), Patricia De Leon (Fernando), and Suzanne Margo (Michael); her adored grandchildren: Grant, Kyle, and Abigail Rice; Victoria, Fernando, Eduardo, and Pablo De Leon; and John Michael and Emma Margo. She is also survived by her loving niece Shannon Saunders and great-nephew Connor Saunders, along with her dear Adcock cousins. Gail was preceded in death by her husband, John B. Smith; her parents, Maude Adcock Schmitt and Joe Schmitt; her brothers, Gary and Larry Schmitt; and her sister, Judy Schmitt. Her life was rich with adventure, travel, and meaningful time spent with family and friends. Nothing brought her greater joy than being surrounded by her grandchildren, whom she loved deeply and proudly. Family and friends are invited to honor Gail’s life at Mission Park Funeral Chapels South, 1700 SE Military Dr, San Antonio, TX 78214. Visitation will be held on Friday, May 2, 2025, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., with a rosary from 7:00 to 7:30 p.m. A Celebration of Life will follow on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 9:00 a.m., with interment to take place afterward at Bexar Cemetery, 9645 FM 2790, Somerset, TX 78069. Patricia “Gail” Smith leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and unwavering dedication to her family, students, and all those whose lives she touched. She will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

Tributes

Patricia "Gail" Smith

August 1, 1947 - April 27, 2025