Iris "Fay" Smith Hitt

Fay Hitt June 7, 1919 – January 16, 2016 Iris Fayteen Smith Hitt passed away Saturday, January 16, 2016, in Waco. Services will be at 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, January 20, at Austin Avenue United Methodist Church in Waco with Rev. Tim Jarrell officiating. Following a light lunch at the church, burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery in Waco at 1:30 p.m. On Tuesday, January 19, the family will receive visitors at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home from 5-7. Fay was born June 7, 1919 in Spur, Texas, to Winnie Lee Burns Smith and Milton Pleasant Smith, the eldest of six children. Following high school in Spur she graduated from business college in Ft. Worth. Fay married Ralph Raymond Hitt September 21, 1940, in Ft. Worth and enjoyed their wonderful marriage for 64 years before his death in August 2005. Before moving to Waco in 1960, Fay worked for several government agencies in Ft. Worth and the Houston school system. She was employed by Baylor University for a number of years as secretary to the Director of Libraries and later the Director of Development. A member of Austin Avenue United Methodist Church for 55 years, Fay served the church in a number of capacities. She loved her church and all activities connected with it. Her friends in the Sunday school class and garden club were dear and loyal to her. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ralph; three brothers, M.P. Smith, Jr., Clifford Smith, and Dr. Jimmy E. Smith; sister, Mary Lee Smith McArthur and sisters-in-law, Helen Hitt Chapman, Frances Hitt Hamilton and Sara Hitt Harris. Survivors include her son Larry Hitt and wife, Patti, daughter, Candace Hitt Love and husband, Gary; grandchildren, John, Philip and Meredith Hitt, Rachel Love Betz and husband, David, Amanda Love; great-grandchildren, Bethany Yeager, Carley Walsh, Henry and Truman Betz; sister, Jo Ann Smith Zanatell; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. Fay’s greatest joy was spending time with her family, especially during the holidays and at many family reunions. She was a wonderful cook and enjoyed preparing meals for family and friends, even in recent years. She will be remembered as a dedicated wife, loving parent and grandparent, and caring friend. All who knew Fay found her to be a sweet, kind and thoughtful person. Her consistently positive attitude and resilience have been, and will continue to be, an inspiration to many. She believed strongly in the Golden Rule “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”. Contributions may be made to the Organ Fund at Austin Avenue United Methodist Church. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our “Memorial Guestbook” at www.WHBfamily.com.