Nita Rae Smiley, 88, of Greenville, Texas, passed peacefully at home on April 15, 2023. Nita was born to Lola Wright and Jess Petty on May 11, 1934, in Josephine, Texas.
Nita was known for being a talented seamstress and notably making her children’s clothes as they grew up and even made all their prom dresses and some wedding dresses. She raised greyhounds and retired from L-3. Nita was a loving mother and Meme that adored her grandchildren. She married her husband, Billy Fred, on November 8, 1949, and they were happily married for 55 years.
Nita is survived by her daughters: Benita Lucas of Greenville, Judy Helton of Caddo Mills, Karen Bell and Eddie of Greenville, and Susan Payne and John of Greenville. Grandchildren: Georgeanna Mequet, Jana Nichol, Chad Bell, George “Bubba” Helton, Shane Giles, Crista Glover, Shauna Bell, and Michelle McCarthy; and 19 great-grandchildren. Brother, Curtis Petty of Lewisville, and sisters: Peggy Reagan of Greenville and Leo Perkins of Farmers Branch. Nita is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, and many loving friends.
Nita is preceded in death by her husband, Billy Fred Smiley; her parents; 7 brothers and sisters; special Aunt, Annie Harris; and son-in-laws, George Ray Helton and Clifford Haney.
A visitation will take place on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at 10 AM at Lynch Funeral Service in Greenville. The funeral will follow the visitation and start at 11 AM. A committal service will follow the funeral at Memoryland Memorial Park located in Greenville.
Special thanks to Eleanor Brown, Pam Hawkins, Jamie Fugitt, and Dee Wilburn.
