First Lady Odessa LaRuth Smith Obituary
We announce the death of First Lady Odessa LaRuth Smith of College Station, Texas, who passed away on August 22, 2026, at the age of 73. First will be remembered by family members, friends, and others whose lives were connected in meaningful ways. Family and friends are welcome to send flowers or leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.
First will be remembered for the impact she had on the lives of those around her. Friends, family, and colleagues will cherish their memories and the time shared. Those who knew First will remember moments of kindness, warmth, and presence. Though words cannot fully capture her life, the legacy of connections and experiences remains. First’s absence will be deeply felt by those who valued her companionship.
She was predeceased by: her parent Mother Ruth Heardmon; her brother Robert Heardmon, Sr.; and her nephew Robert Heardmon, Jr.. She is survived by: her son Elijah Robert Smith, IV (Zaria); her sisters, Barbara Lee (Curtis) and Linda Dorsey (Dwight); and her siblings-in-law, Beverley Ridley (Michael) and Terry Smith (Amie). She is also survived by nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, god sisters.
A funeral service was held on Saturday, August 29th 2026 at 12:00 PM at the Brazos Community Outreach Center (2110 Old Hearne Rd, Bryan, TX 77803). A burial was held on Saturday, August 29th 2026 at 2:00 PM at the College Station City Cemetery (2530 Texas Ave S, College Station, TX 77840).
