Exa Smith

Exa Norena Arrott Smith was born in Marathon, Texas November 30, 1913. She passed into eternity at her home in Miles, Texas on March 13, 2013. W.A. "Smitty" Smith, her loving husband of 59 years preceded her in death. Exa lived her 99 years of life with a positive spirit and great love for her family. She was the surviving matriarch of the J.E. Arrott family who settled in the hills of Coke County in 1924. Exa was preceded in death by her parents James Edward Arrott and Nora Houston Arrott; her 9 Arrott brothers Clarence, Welton, James, Monroe, Houston, Leeman, Buck, Jack, Keeney, and 1 little sister, Lovie. She was known as Aunt Exa by numerous nieces and nephews. As a young woman, Exa dyed, corded, spun, and wove wool and mohair into saddle blankets and girths that were sold at M.L. Leddy. She was invited to demonstrate spinning at Texas A&M in 1936. Her long life produced much fruit in the form of a large family. She is survived by 5 children, Vae Hudgins and husband Rex of Cleburne, Ronald Smith and wife Priscilla of College Station, Glenda Lacy and husband Ben of Miles, Sue Richards and late husband Bob of Canton, Melanie Morgan and husband Doug of New Braunfels. Exa's 13 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren were her treasures. She was known by them as "Memo". They loved to talk to her on the phone and hear her stories of the old days. They always knew that Memo's yard would be filled with green grass and beautiful flowers. Exa loved her church family. She was a devoted member of Miles United Methodist Church for almost 70 years. Her steadfast faith in God has been an inspiration to generations. Her life will be celebrated on Sunday, March 17th at 2p.m. in Miles United Methodist Church. Pallbearers are Scott Hudgins, Brian Smith, Mark Lacy, Beau Cox, Shay Scruggs, and Willie Seger. The family wishes to extend a very special thank you to caregiver, Virginia Galindo. Family visitation will be at Robert Massie Funeral Home on Saturday from 6-8 p.m. Arrangements are with Robert Massie Funeral Home. Memorials may be sent to Miles United Methodist Church, POB 103, Miles, TX 76861 or the Miles Cemetery Association, POB 66, Miles, TX 76861.