Kelly Smith Buckman was born in Sulphur, Louisiana on June 24, 1958.  After a sudden and serious infection, Kelly passed away at Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital in Houston on May 27, 2018 at the age of 59.  Kelly graduated from Tulsa Memorial High School in 1976 and later the University of Tulsa where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree.  She continued post-graduate studies at the University of Texas School of Medicine and Louisiana State University Medical School.  Kelly met Steve Buckman in early 1999 and they were married later that same year.  She worked as a Behavioral Therapist in private practice for many years and was the primary caregiver of her parents in their later years.  Kelly also assumed Steve’s role as a Director for the Clear Brook City Municipal Utility District in Houston upon his death in 2015 and on May 7, 2016 won election to the permanent board seat to continue her service.

Kelly was a devoted wife and daughter, a loving sister and aunt, and a most loyal friend.  She never met a stranger and people were drawn to her as she gave generously of her time and talents.  She adored animals and her dogs were family.  She was an accomplished gardener and cultivated beautiful floral and landscape arrangements.  Kelly was a gifted baker and chef and spent many hours in the kitchen preparing food for those she loved and those in need in the community.  She was incredibly passionate about and dedicated herself to a life of service.  She maintained an intense prayer life as a woman of faith devoted to the love and service of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She was an active member of St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church and the Catholic Daughters of America, Chapter 2292.

Kelly is survived by her siblings, Susan Christine Smith (Byrdstown, TN);  William Charles Smith Jr (Denham Springs, LA); Sandra Smith McSpadden (Hurst, TX) and Robert Randall Smith (Tulsa, OK), as well as many loving nieces and nephews.  Kelly is preceded in death by her husband, Stephen Thomas Buckman, and her parents, William Charles Smith Sr. and Marguerite Gertrude Barry Smith.

The service celebrating Kelly’s life will be held at 11 am, Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church, 11011 Hall Road in Houston, with a reception to follow at the church.  Guests may arrive as early as 10 am at the church. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Kelly’s life.  Kelly will be laid to rest in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Shelbina, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church at 11011 Hall Road, Houston, TX 77089, the Catholic Daughters of America Chapter 2292 and/or the Knights of Columbus Chapter 9201.  The family would like to thank the many family and friends for all of their support, prayers and love.

Niday Funeral Home