Honey Grove, Texas -- Rosella Smith, 87, of Honey Grove, Texas, passed away on October 30, 2025, at the VA Community Living Center in Bonham, Texas. She was born on September 21, 1938, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Floyd Smith and Ruby Marie Smith.

After graduating from high school, Rosella enlisted in the United States Air Force. Beginning a lifetime of adventure and service, she enjoyed traveling and exploring different areas of the world, Europe being one of them. Later, she made her home along the East Coast shores of Long Island, New York and Florida, where she found great joy and peace by the beach.

Rosella enjoyed setting up her booth at local markets, where she showcased unique jewelry and accessories she had for sale. In 1998, she moved to Honey Grove to be close to her daughter, Penni, and her family, becoming a familiar face in the community. Many people remember Rosella fondly as their “first boss” as she worked alongside her daughter at her store, Penni’s Convenience Store, serving as manager even after the business changed hands, until her retirement.

Rosella was a devoted animal lover, an avid reader, and a passionate football fan with a sharp sense of humor. Though she valued her privacy, her deep love for her family was always evident to those who knew her.

She is survived by her beloved daughter, Penni Neeley and husband Terry of Honey Grove; grandchildren Jeanne Ashlock and husband Clint of Bonham, Sherry Stover and husband Randy of Princeton, Shelby Neeley of Honey Grove, and Marlee Randall and husband Richard of Fort Worth; two great-grandsons, Gavin Collier and Seven Collier, both of Bonham; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will miss her dearly.

A memorial visitation to honor Rosella’s life will be held at Cooper-Sorrells Funeral Home in Honey Grove, Texas on Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 

To share a memory or leave an online condolence please visit, www.coopersorrells.com