Melinda Sue Smoke

February 9, 2025, heaven gained the sweetest angel of all. Melinda Sue Smoke, (Mendy to those who knew her) was born on September 27, 1960, to Arthur Allen Smoke and Mary Ellen Kent Smoke.
Mendy faced many challenges from the time of her birth. She was born into this world with brain damage and cerebral palsy that kept her brain age of a 3-year-old mentality. She was the most pure and kindest hearted person you would ever come in contact with. If she told you she loved you she genuinely meant every word. She worked diligently every day to conquer each and every one of her obstacles in life to the fullest of her abilities. One being that Mendy wanted to learn to read, but her brain would not allow her to comprehend the letters and sounds together. She would make up the sweetest stories to "read" aloud to all the little children who loved her so much by looking at the pictures alone in each book. Mendy loved drawing, coloring, playing with her babies, watching movies while eating her meals, helping with Mother's Day Out at Central Baptist Church in Marshall, Texas and First Baptist Church of Liberty City. She also loved to help at her niece's daycare Little Llamas Learning Center, and children's choir where she performed in many of the musicals at Central Baptist Church. Mendy drew the most beautiful cards for every occasion that came along for her family and friends. Mendy also was able to be a part of the National Special Olympics in 1978 where she traveled to Buffalo, New York to meet Muhammad Ali and was a part of The Ronald McDonald Foundation. Mendy placed in swimming and track and field at the Special Olympics 1978. Mendy was like a light bulb. Every time she walked into a room, she would make it light up so bright and shine. She will always be in our hearts by sharing the wonderful memories of our time with her.
Ones that our angel Mendy will be watching over are as follows: Mendy's Mother Mary Ellen Smoke, sister Pamela Bush and husband Jody Bush, nephews Jonah Bush and wife Jessica Bush children JAK and Jaxon, Joseph Bush and wife Dana Bush, Jeremy Jamieson and wife Rachel Jamieson, Jason Jamieson and wife Lauren Jamieson, Michael Stephen Roper and Michael Noah Roper; Nieces Sarah Roper-Rabatin and husband Colby Rabatin children Landon and Maggie, Hope Roper-Morris and husband Preston Morris children Elle, Ben, and Bryce, and Hannah Roper-Crenshaw children Talan and Sophie. Mendy spent most of her last days playing with nieces Maggie and Sophie with her baby dolls and little pet shop figurines. Many great-nephews, great-nieces, aunts, uncles, cousins, and special friends.
Waiting in heaven with open arms, hugs, and kisses are Mendy's Daddy Arthur Allen Smoke and little Sister Lisa Renee' Smoke Roper.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 on Tuesday, February 18, 2024, at The Cammack Family Directors of Funeral - Marshall, located at 100 East Travis St. Marshall, Texas. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the start of the service.