Judy Gaye Smith

Judy Gaye Smith was born July 10, 1960, and passed away peacefully with her family by her side on February 5, 2026. Judy was a cherished daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, business owner & friend whose kindness and warmth left a lasting mark on everyone she met. Judy had a tough shell, but inside that shell was a heart of gold & all she wanted to do was help anyone in need.

Judy was the youngest of several children, a role she carried with a mix of sweetness, grit, and quiet determination. Family was the foundation of her life, and she valued loyalty, connection, and showing up for those she loved.

Above all else, Judy was a devoted mother to her daughter, Chrystal, and later a proud grandmother to her granddaughter, Tesla Lancaster, who brought her joy. Being a mom & grandmother were among Judy's greatest treasures.

Judy was a small business owner who dedicated her life to serving others. She poured her heart into her work & community. She, along with Chrystal, owned and operated Texas Great Country Café, which has been a gathering place where friendships were made, and everyone felt welcome. Over the years, there have been so many who came into the café for the first time and just came back, some daily or a couple of times a day. Judy was thrilled that she could provide an experience that caused her friends to want to keep coming back day after day, year after year. Her and her husband Arturo were also the owners of Boondocks Bait Shop, another reflection of her entrepreneurial spirit and love for turning businesses into community hubs & customers into family.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter, 2 brothers, and 2 sisters. 

She is survived by her husband Arturo Rodriguez; brother, Dale Smith; her sister and best friend, Becky McNeely; her granddaughter, Tesla Lancaster; stepson, Billy Calk; 2 stepdaughters, Kelly Calk and Adrina Reynolds; her step granddaughter, Tesla Lancaster; and many nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved dearly.

Judy was known for her compassionate heart, her unwavering support for those around her, and her ability to make people feel seen and valued. Her laughter, generosity, and steady presence will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Judy's life on February 11, 2026, at Marshall and Marshall in Whitney at 11:00 am. She will be laid to rest in Ardmore, Oklahoma, on Thursday.