Irene Althea Smith

Irene A. Smith of Bandera County quietly passed away on October 29th in her beloved home in Pipe Creek, Texas at the age of 93. Irene was born on December 6, 1931, in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania to parents James and Evelyn Palitti, who owned several successful business endeavors in that city.

She grew up working in the business, eventually married Navy Seaman turned Air Force Airman William Homer Smith in 1951, and became a military wife for the next 22 years, travelling the world. The family quickly grew to four children: William Clark, Janna Shareen, Deborah Ranae, and Jeffrey Daniel. Over the years, they were stationed from Kadena AFB Okinawa; to Darmstadt Army Post, Germany; and finally retiring at Kelly AFB in San Antonio, Texas. William then served as a letter carrier in the United States Postal Service for several years, and after the graduation of the children from high school, they built their final nest in Pipe Creek. The couple was among the original founders of the Pipe Creek (Little Rock) Presbyterian Church and worked hard to help make it what it is today. William Homer passed in 1996 after 45 years of marriage to Irene, who then spent much of the next 29 years of her life in good health, continuing to serve her church, and patiently awaiting the ultimate reunion with her beloved husband in heaven.

Others proceeding her in death include Brother James E. Palitti, In-laws William and Bette Lemon, and Walter and Donna Muslin.

Irene is survived by children William C. Smith, Janna Bowers, and Deborah Honigblum (Jeffrey passed in 1973). Grandchildren include William P. Smith, Jason Villafranca, Amanda Honigblum, Jeffrey Danalovitz, and Jarren Zilinski.

Irene desired a simple service and to be buried with her husband and son in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. The brief graveside memorial will be held at Pavilion 1 on Tuesday, November 18th at 2PM. San Antonio Police Department Senior Chaplain Danny Hubbell of Special Forces Ministries, and Pastor Rick Son of the Hill Country Christian Church will offer words of peace and comfort.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Bandera Funeral Chapel.