Delana Lee Smith

Delana’s life was a testament to kindness, adventure, resilience, and unwavering love for her family and friends. Born on June 28, 1961, in Corpus Christi, Texas, Delana’s roots were deeply embedded in the heart of Texas, and her spirit was as fiery and warm as her iconic red hair.

Delana was preceded in death by her father and mother, Joseph Goss of San Antonio Texas and Charlotte M. Walters of San Antonio, Texas.

She is survived by her husband, Dr. Kevin S. Smith; three sons: Ian Mitchell Smith of Oklahoma City, Brock Cameron Smith of Omaha, Nebraska, and Grant S Smith of Oklahoma City; brothers: Joseph Richard Goss (Leann) of Great Falls, Montana, Charles Arthur Goss (Stephanie) of Boerne, Texas, and Robert Walters (Carolyn) of Dallas, Texas; and sisters: Wendy Davis (Bruce) of Ft Worth, Texas, Karen Hicks (Frank) of Pike Creek, Texas, and Diana Walters of Pipe Creek, Texas. She treasured all her many nieces and nephews, Clayton, Dylan, Ben, Harrison, Cav, Chris, Kevin, Kirby, Kelsey, Shawn, Josh and Kelly, and loved seeing them grow into amazing adults. Any and every interaction was cherished.

Growing up in Texas, Delana’s childhood was filled with the joys and innocence of play, exploration, and family bonds. Being close in age with her siblings, her early years were marked by adventures with her brothers – Rick and Charlie. Together, they spent countless hours camping, playing in the outdoors, deer hunting with mama, cousins, uncles and of course “Papa”. Summers on her aunt’s ranch in Uvalde, Texas, provided her with invaluable lessons about life, independence and the importance of community and hard work.

A quintessential Texas girl, Delana learned to swim in the Frio River – an experience she cherished deeply, often recalling her days swimming, and splashing in its cool waters, just like her childhood hero, George Strait, whose music she loved dearly. Summer laughter by the river included a fireside marshmallow roasting, when her marshmallow caught fire, instead of just blowing it out she waved the coat hanger and flicked the fiery projectile onto her brother! On fire, he had to dive into the Frio River to extinguish himself. Her summers with family imparted a sense of resilience, common sense (except with marshmallows), and congeniality that would serve her well throughout her life.

Her athleticism was evident in her high school years when she made the All-City Basketball Team at Roosevelt High School in San Antonio, and in her college days when she refereed basketball games.

Delana’s academic journey led her to Texas A&M University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Her Aggie years were marked by a lively spirit and a love for social activities. She worked summers at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, where she and her sister Di, made ID cards for soldiers – an experience that fostered her sense of service and attention to detail. She also enjoyed nights out country dancing in Leon Valley, Texas, often wearing tube tops and Candies, embracing the vibrant Texas nightlife.

Her professional career began with Texas Commerce Bank in Houston, Texas, where she worked for several years, developing skills in finance and customer service. Her time in Houston helped her forge lifelong friendships and instilled a strong work ethic. Delana would tell you with a big smile that she met her husband, Kevin, in a dive bar called Club Hey Hey in Houston. It was love at first site, married 9 months later, lasting 36 amazing years! They traveled together to live abroad in Australia – a life-changing experience – then she returned to Oklahoma City, where she took up the role of hospital cost accountant. Though her career was fulfilling, her greatest achievement was her role as a mother.

Delana’s devotion to her family was extraordinary. When she became a mother, she embraced her role with superhuman dedication, raising three remarkable sons- Ian, Brock, and Grant. She mentored them in everything from piano lessons to sports, debate, and martial arts, always encouraging them to explore their passions and being their best selves.

Her love for her children extended beyond mere guidance; she was their biggest cheerleader, confidante, and teacher. She created a warm, nurturing environment filled with laughter, learning, and love. No matter what the activity, Delana’s hands-on approach helped shape their lives with patience and resilience.

Delana was an adventurous soul, with an insatiable desire to explore the world. Her travels took her across the globe – from the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor Wat to the historic sites of Croatia. She found particular joy in hot air ballooning over Cappadocia, Turkey, experiencing the breathtaking vistas from above, and exploring the CuChi Tunnels in Vietnam, immersing herself in history and culture.

Her love of family vacations was legendary – ski trips to Crested Butte, Colorado, were cherished traditions, and she relished days spent on Florida beaches, soaking up the sun and creating memories. Her passion for water sports blossomed early; she took up windsurfing and sailing, sharing these adventures with her husband, Kevin. Their sailing expeditions, especially catamaran sailing at Texas City Dike in Galveston Bay, brought her immense joy and a sense of freedom. Bareboat sailing charters all around the globe always included friends and family sealing the bonds lifelong commitment to all.

In recent years, Delana developed a love of pickleball, enjoying the camaraderie and friendly competition. She and her husband, Kevin, lived much of her final years together on their sailing yacht “COSI” exploring the Mediterranean. Delana was deeply curious, and she possessed an abiding interest in learning of different cultures, food and histories and exploring the ancient sites of Greece, Italy, Croatia and beyond.

A proud member of the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority at Texas A&M, Delana maintained lifelong friendships with her sorority sisters. Her vibrant personality was characterized by her fiery red hair, her quick wit, and her spirited temper. Yet, it was her smile – warm, genuine, and radiant – that left an indelible impression on everyone she met.

Her zest for life, combined with her compassionate nature, made her a beloved friend, sister, wife, and mother. She was fiercely independent, fiercely loyal, and always ready to lend a helping hand or offer a kind word. Her interactions with others were always cherished, and she loved seeing her family and friends grow into their fullest potential.

Delana’s legacy is one of love, adventure, resilience, and kindness. She leaves behind a family that adored her – her husband Kevin, her sons, her siblings, nieces, nephews, and countless friends whose lives she touched profoundly.

In her memory, the family requests in lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Smile for a Child Foundation Endowed Funds in care of Oklahoma City Community Foundation, 1000 N Broadway Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73102 to continue her lifelong commitment to spreading joy and making a difference in the lives of children.

A memorial service celebrating her life with be held 11am, Saturday, June 28, 2025, at St Luke’s Methodist Church, 222 NW 15th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73103 which will be immediately followed by a High Tea at her home. Friends and family are invited to gather, share stories, and remember the incredible woman whose smile, spirit, and love continue to inspire.

Delana Lee Smith’s life was a remarkable journey of love, laughter, adventure, and service. Her radiant smile and fiery spirit will be forever etched in the hearts of those she loved. Her legacy lives on through her children, her family, and all whose lives she touched with her warmth and kindness.