Ina Scitern Smith

Ina Margarett Scitern-Smith, 78, passed away on January 28, 2024, surrounded by family and loved ones, in Abilene, Texas. She was born on September 21, 1945, to Alvin and Ina Merle Craddock Lasater, in Levelland, Texas. She spent her childhood in Sundown, Texas with her brother before moving to Gorman, Texas. After high school Ina married Gerald Dean Scitern, on February 8, 1964, where they lived a beautiful life of 28 years in Gorman raising their four children, until his passing on September 13, 1992. Ina wore many faces. She was a longtime caregiver in Gorman and Eastland as the activity director of the nursing home for 27 years, but her greatest and most rewarding job was caring for her family. Ina was lucky enough to know two great loves. Later in life she met and married her second love, Johnny Smith, on January 3, 1998. Ina had an undeniable love and commitment to her community. Reviving the peanut festival in the early 80’s, creating the local Easter traditions in 1986 where she served as the Easter Bunny, and the annual Spook Parade she initiated in the 90’s, were just a few ways she served her community.  

Ina is survived by her children, Brenda Tucker, Nita Auvenshine, Amy Johnston, Kevin Scitern, and other stepchildren. Grandchildren: Emily, Audrey, Nathan, Ashley, Jaime, Kinsey, Jordan, Weldon, and other grands that she admired as well, an impressive amount of 44 great-grandchildren; Brantley, Kenna, Kase, Brayson, Kynlee, Kate, Knox, Canyon, Parker, Brystol, Memphis and a plethora of others she loved dearly. She is also survived by her brother, Emmett Lasater. Ina was adamant about being present in all her grands and greats lives. She was fortunate enough to be known and loved by all as Memo, a title she wore proudly.

Ina is preceded in death by her husband, Gerald, her second husband, Johnny, both of her parents, and her eldest brother.

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