Christenia Pair Koonce Smith, 59, of Desdemona, went home to her Lord and Savior Friday, March 25, 2016, with her family by her side.

Tenia was born August 28, 1956, in Dublin, Texas to Calburn Dean Pair and Aundrenettee Turley Pair.

Tenia was a long-time member of St. Joe Baptist Church in De Leon. She lived in the Desdemona community most all of her life. She attended Stephenville High School and was a member of the class of 1974. Tenia loved making floral arrangements, cooking, baking, and traveling. She was a member of the De Leon Study Club. She had a contagious and loving smile that made everyone feel loved. She welcomed so many children into her home with loving arms over the years. So many of the youth in the community lovingly called her "Momma Tenia". She was a dedicated and loving friend to so many. Her family meant the world to her and her grandchildren were the light of her life. She was a loving and committed wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, friend and neighbor. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her husband, Ray Smith; daughters, Christal Cogburn and husband, Toby, Courtney Dowell and husband, Josh, Chandra Lester and husband, Chad; son, Edwardo Guerrero and wife, Jessica; step-son, Michael Ray Smith; step-daughter, Brittney Phelps; brother, Terry Dean Pair and wife, Julie; grandchildren, Zachary Cogburn, Tyler Cogburn, Shannon Dowell, Evan Dowell, Addison Dowell, Aubri Lester, Rachael Guerrero and Edwardo Guerrero, Jr.; nephew, Challace Pair; niece, Chae Hart; and other extended family. Christenia was preceded in death by her parents and her grandson, Jeremiah Lester.

Funeral services were held Monday, March 28, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Joe Baptist Church with Linda McKeehan and Brother Jackie Auvenshine officiating. Graveside services followed in Desdemona Cemetery.

If desired, memorial contributions may be made to St. Joe Baptist at PO Box 201, De Leon, or to the ALS Association at PO Box 6051, Albert Lea, MN 56007, in memory of Tenia