Clarabelle B. Smith

© The Bakersfield Californian

9 March 2005

Submitted by: Sandi Carter

Clarabelle B. Smith
Services: Sat. Mar. 12, 4:30 p.m.

Was born in Afton, Oklahoma September 2, 1912. She married Archie D. Smith on February 19, 1933. He preceded her in death in 1991. She joyfully received Gods Grace and peacefully ended her 92 years on March 5, 2005. Mothers faith and love in our Lord Jesus has been a continuing inspiration to her family. A celebration of her life will be at Bakersfields First Presbyterian Church Chapel on Saturday, March 12, 2005, at 4:30 p.m. Pastor Stephen Wing will be officiating.

Prior to WWII, Clarabelle became the editor of The House of Moody while in Galveston, Texas, and continued this work after relocating to rural Oklahoma after the war. She was an exceptionally well qualified legal secretary and joined Oklahoma Governor Johnson Murrays staff in 1951, becoming the Governors private secretary shortly thereafter.

Over the years she was active in many things. She taught adult Sunday school and was involved with many organizations including the Eastern Star, Rebekah Lodge, many times president of the Tulsa Chapter of the Business and Professional Woman in Tulsa, Okla. and a founding and lifetime member of the Association of Forensic Document Examiners. She was especially gifted with penmanship and taught calligraphy and forensic document examination at the Tulsa Community College. She and her husband upon retirement moved to Bakersfield in 1986 to be with family. Here she immediately joined the First Presbyterian Church, the Womans Club of Bakersfield and the Glass and China Collectors Club.

Clarabelle is survived by her son and his wife, Archie and Carol Jean Smith of Bakersfield and 3 grandchildren, Cynthia Feyen and husband, Michael of Flower Mound, Texas; David Smith and wife, Holly of Houston, Texas; and Sandra Vaughan and husband, Brent of Portolla Valley, CA. Her family is also blessed with 3 great-grandchildren, Jessica and Michael Feyen and Annika Vaughan. She is survived by many dear family members including sisters, nieces and nephews in Florida, North Carolina, Texas and Oklahoma.

The family gives special thanks to Joean Cisco and the other caregivers at Arbolado House for their gentle and loving care. The assistance given by Hoffmann Hospice also greatly eased her final days. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation to the First Presbyterian Church of Bakersfield or to your favorite charity will be appreciated.

The copyright (s) on this page must appear on all
copied and/or printed material.