Lola Marie (Hance) Smith, 86, of Plainview, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2026, in Marshall, TX. Lola was born on July 7, 1939, in Casa, AR, to Usty and Ethel Hance. Growing up in the close-knit communities of Needmore and Casa, she was a proud graduate of Perry Casa High School. She fondly remembered a three-year span of her teenage life in Chicago, IL, but her heart remained in Arkansas. She returned to Casa her senior year to play basketball and graduate with life long friends.

On October 17, 1959, Lola married the love of her life, Robert Lee (Rube) Smith. They established their home in Plainview, where Lola became a cornerstone of the community. Together, she and Rube owned and operated Smith Texaco for 20 years. Following the sale of the station, Lola spent three years with C & D Drug Store before finishing her professional career at the Plainview-Rover School District. There, she was a cherished presence, assisting teachers and leaving a lasting impact on generations of students who loved her dearly.

Lola was a devoted member of the Plainview Church of Christ and lived her faith through action. Known for having a true "servant's heart," her door was always open to anyone in need of a place to stay or a listening ear. No guest ever left her home hungry; she greeted every visitor with a meal, and there was always a dessert waiting to be shared. Her hospitality was legendary, often punctuated by her signature farewell: walking her guests all the way to their cars, and sometimes even further down the road, just to savor the last few moments of company.

Beyond her kitchen, Lola was known far and wide for a unique gift—a "special touch" for helping with burns. Whether it was a sunburn, a kitchen accident, or a curling iron mishap, people traveled from all over to seek her help and find relief.

Lola will be remembered for her contagious laugh, witty nature, beautiful smile, and caring for others. Many people considered her like a mother or grandmother

She is survived by her son, Dennis (Margo) Smith of Plainview; daughter, Phyllis (Phillip) Smith of Marshall, TX; grandsons Cody Smith of Shreveport, LA, Josh (Ericka) Smith of Plainview, and Clay (Lauren) Smith of Marshall TX; great grandchildren Addalyn and Maddalyn Smith both of Plainview, Collins and baby brother Smith arriving in September of Marshall, TX; brother Luther Hance; brother-in-law Billy Smith both of Danville; a host of nieces and nephews from both the Hance and Smith families, and special friends who were like family to her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband, Rube, and siblings, Hazel Robinson, Bernice Scruggs, Betty Tanner, Wilma Via, George Hance and William Clay (Bud) Hance.

Lola's legacy of kindness, her healing spirit, and her unwavering devotion to her friends and neighbors will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

The family will receive visitors Thursday, May 7, 2026 from 5:00-7:00PM at Cornwell Funeral Home in Danville. A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, May 8, 2026 at 10:00AM at Plainview Church of Christ with Brother Butch Gossett officiating. Burial will precede at Salem Cemetery in Plainview. Memorials may be made to Plainview Church of Christ (Kid's Coat Fund) or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements by Cornwell Funeral Home Danville