Eloise Smith Wilson

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Eloise Smith Wilson of Belton, Texas died February 13, 2024, at her home, at the age of 98. She left this world for a wonderful life with her Lord.

Helen Eloise Smith was born to Tom Willie and Irene Jones Smith on April 20, 1925, in the small community of Sparta just west of Belton. Growing up during the Great Depression taught Eloise the value of perseverance at an early age. After graduating from Academy Consolidated High School, where she enjoyed being a cheerleader, she lived in Temple and worked in various retail stores. Years later she became the secretary for a Belton High School principal and then was employed by tax offices in both Bell and McLennan Counties. Eloise eventually became a Real Estate Broker where she bought, sold, and invested in real estate. She was one of the first women in the area to become a general contractor. Eloise was known by many for her honesty and straightforwardness.

Eloise Smith married Billy Ed Wilson in August of 1943 and they were married for 35 years. They had three children, a son, Eddie, and two daughters, Tammy and Ricci. Eloise was very dedicated to her children, supporting them in church and scout activities, serving in the PTA and the Bell County A&M Mothers Club. She was a long-time member of First Baptist Church in Belton. Although she was often busy, Eloise found time to serve her community, such as helping for years with the Hospice Thrift Store in Belton. In her personal time, she enjoyed gardening and spending time with her family. Eloise’s children were a top priority in her life, and she demonstrated unselfish and sacrificial love toward them.

Eloise Smith Wilson’s lifetime of achievements was recognized by the House of Representatives of the

84th Texas Legislature on her 90th birthday where she was presented to the House Floor by her close nephew, R. Wayne Smith, then a State Representative from Baytown, Texas.

She was preceded in death by her parents, four siblings, James Smith, Clarine Deaver, Tom Willie Smith, Jr., Odell Smith, Son-in-law, Johnnie Ricketts, and great great granddaughter, Vivian Dimas.

Survivors include Eloise’s three children, Eddie Wilson and wife Jeanne of Waco, daughters Tammy Wilson Ricketts of Alvarado, and Ricci Wilson Douglas of Temple, grandchildren Elise Wilson Donaldson, Erin Wilson Cottle, Mandi Ricketts Rivers and husband Thaxton Rivers, Chris Ricketts, Lauren Douglas Smejkal and husband Bradley Smejkal, and Collin Douglas, and great grandchildren Melody Donaldson, Olivia Donaldson, Karis Donaldson, Haley Venegoni, Jenna Venegoni, Caedmon Rivers, Mason Rivers, and Brennan Smejkal. Survivors also include her stepdaughter, Pat McEver (Patsy Wilson), and Pat’s two children Brad Ashby and Renee Ashby Contreras, three grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.

Thank you, Cindy Romero, for the wonderful home healthcare given to our mother for the past three years following her stroke.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to: Hope for the Hungry, c/o Dan Kirkley, 627 Hope for the Hungry St., Belton, Texas 76513 254-939-0124