Avril “Annette” Lang-Smith passed away April 9th, 2017 at the age of 86. Annette was born February 6th, 1931 at the Ponca City hospital to Avril and Howard Lang. She received her early education in Ponca City. During World War II she lived and attended school in Enid while her father was stationed at Vance Air Force with the Civil Service. After the war the family moved back to Ponca City where Annette attended Ponca City Senior High School graduating in the Class of 1949. She attended Northern Oklahoma College and graduated in 1951 with an Associate in Arts degree. On June 1st, 1951 she married Hubert Gene Smith and to this union three children were born.
While raising her children she attended Oklahoma State University receiving both her Bachelor and Master degree later receiving her Psychometrist Certification from Oklahoma State University and her Secondary Education Certification from Northwestern Oklahoma State University.
Annette touched many lives during her 39 years of teaching. She was passionate about working with the children. Her journey began teaching at Union School followed by Kaw City Elementary where she started the Special Education classes. She taught in the Newkirk School system 18 years also setting up their Special Education classes and introduced Computer Programming in the classroom. She retired in May of 1991 only to be recruited by Kildare Elementary School in August 1992 to teach and work with Special Education Students and regular classroom teaching where she stayed for 15 years. She went to work part time at Shidler schools where she taught English and Creative Writing finally retiring for good in 2007 at the age of 80. She was an active member of many educational organizations through the years, always eager to further her education through college hours and workshops designed to further her knowledge.
Annette was a very optimistic person. Her most noted comment was “Everything will work out. It always does one way or another”. Annette loved her family and was very involved with her children and grandchildren. She will be so missed by her family and everyone that knew her. A member of the Free Will Baptist Church in Ponca City, she loved attending Sunday school and Church and being with her church family.
Annette was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by daughter Sheryl Lynn Eitzmann and husband Mark of Ponca City, son Stephen Vincent Smith of rural Kay County, daughter Debra Ann Dick and husband Curtis of Ponca City, 7 Grandchildren, Stephanie Cervantes, Gabriel Smith and wife Tasha, Tiffany Smith, Ryan Eitzmann and wife Tiffany, Colby Dick and wife Meg, and Brian Dick and wife Krystal, 14 Great Grandchildren, a brother William “Bill” Lang of Albuquerque, New Mexico and sister Emily Dee McClung and husband Ralph of Ponca City. At Annette’s request, the family will hold a private celebration of her life. Anyone wishing to send flowers in her memory may send them to The Free Will Baptist Church. by May 6th.. Remembrances may be shared online at www.stittsworthfuneralservices.com.
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