Fay O. (Smith) Tarver

Fay Onita Tarver, was born on October 17, 1927 in Huntsville, Texas, to Floyd and Eva Walker-Smith. Fay grew up in Walker County, where she attended school. However, she moved to Houston and received her high school diploma from Yates High School. She continued her education at Wiley College and Prairie View A&M, where she received degrees in Education. Following graduation she began her teaching career that would span for more than 35 years, starting in Jacinto County. She eventually moved to Huntsville and became the first African American Special Education teacher at Samuel Walker Houston Elementary School. She remained with the district until she retired. Fay was a devout Christian that truly loved the Lord. She became a member of St. Luke I.M.E. under the leadership of Rev. I.S. Acox. In later years she changed her membership and became very faithful to Galilee Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Elder Terry Cooper. As a member she served in several capacities that included; President of the Usher Board, Sunday School Teacher, member of the Bible Band and member of Galilee C.O.G.I.C. financial department. Fay was preceded in death by her children: Beverly Smith, Faye Marie Smith-Landry and Thomas W. Smith, her parents; sisters: Hattie Ross, Willie Lee Williams, Floyd Washington, Mattie F. Raglin-Floyd, Ava Raglin-Norris and Geneva Raglin-Henry and one brother. Fay is survived by her children: Marcus Smith Jr. (Deborah), Cecil Robinson, Alice Faye Smith (a.k.a. Tweed), Terry Smith Theall-Jones, Pamela Smith and Kenneth Smith; grandchildren: Marcus James Smith, Marcus Smith III, Faith Lenan Marnita, Horace Daniel, Beverly Idalene, Derrick Lenard Floyd, Malcom Anthony Edward, Kevin Micheal Jamal and Angela Denice; thirteen great-grandchildren, nieces: Chyrel Beard, Dorothy Kirkland, Joan Jones, Karen Hawkins, Faren Boone and Waundlyan Gardner; nephew: Charles Mock, and a host of additional relatives and friends.