Just like many of you, I have been friends with the Smothermons for over 50 years. If you grew up in Prosper, TX, Collin, or Denton County, the name Smothermon more than likely sounds familiar to you. Grady and Shirley both grew up in the Prosper and neighboring communities, as did their parents and grandparents. They chose to raise their children, and those children raised their children here as well.

If you attended Prosper Schools any time from the 1940s-1970s, it’s most likely Grady’s mom, Virginia Smothermon, was your first-grade teacher. Shirley’s dad, VC “Poppa to many” Spradley, was the only form of law enforcement for the town of Prosper for over 50 years. Grady served on the Prosper ISD school board, was a devoted supporter of the 4H and FFA programs, and was the mayor of Prosper from 1989-1996.

Shirley suffered a heart attack on December 20, was rushed to the hospital where emergency surgery was performed, and was sent to rehab. She was discharged to her home with hospice care in mid-January, where she has continued to decline. Her children, Jimbo, is wheelchair-bound, Cathy must use a walker, and Bobby, with a full-time job, has been caring for her to the very best of their ability. Jimbo developed pneumonia in both lungs last week and was taken to the hospital by ambulance, where he is currently fighting for his life in ICU on a ventilator. Cathy is exhausted and getting sick, and Shirley is in desperate need of private nursing care.

We would love to see friends, family, and the community rally around this family that has served its community so well for so many years. Please pray for this family and give if you can for the mounting expenses and for the financial ability to provide nursing care for Shirley.