Concepcion Smith

Concepcion M. Smith entered rest on February 26, 2020. She was born on February 20, 1931.

Concepcion was born and raised in Edinburg, Texas. Her mother and baby sister passed in 1939, when she was 8 years old. She and her siblings went to live with her grandmother. Concepcion took on the role of mother to her younger brother Robert. She and her siblings would migrate to work the cotton fields with her father. Later, she traveled to Indiana with her brother, Robert, to pick tomatoes. After moving back to Edinburg, she began work in a diner where she loved gaining independence by being able to support herself. She met her husband, Leonard Smith, at that diner, they married May 24, 1967, and moved to Fort Stockton. They had their son, Richard in 1970. She began working in 1975, at Econo Lodge Motel, a block from their home. Her husband, Leonard, of 35 years, passed away in 2002. She continued to work at the same motel until 2012. In 2013, she suffered a stroke and moved in with her family in Hewitt. She was diagnosed with dementia, and her granddaughter, Gabby, became her full- time caregiver. She passed away peacefully in their home with Richard holding her hand.

She had pleasure in breeding and raising chihuahuas for many years.

She is survived by her son Richard Smith and wife Glenda, of Hewitt Texas; brother Robert Martinez of San Antonio, Texas; two grandchildren Gabrielle and Gena Smith; and one great grandchild Jeremiah Ryan.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Leopaldo and Maria Ledesma Martinez; husband, Leonard W. Smith; brother Manuel Martinez; sisters Maria Belia Martinez Hernandez and Amelia Martinez.

Services for Concepcion Smith will be held at 1PM on Saturday, March 14, 2020, at Heritage Funeral Home, 301 N. Main, Fort Stockton, with graveside to follow at East Hill Cemetery.



Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at: www.heritagefuneralhomeofthebigbend.com