On January 23, 2024, Matthew Aaron Smith, born on December 27, 1984, peacefully transitioned into his heavenly home at the age of 39, walking hand in hand with Jesus Christ. We will gather to celebrate his remarkable life on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at 3 pm at James Crowder Funeral Home, located at 401 Texas Ave, La Marque, TX 77568. The family will be available to receive visitors from 2 pm, with the service commencing at three.

Matthew’s life was a beautiful testament to the power of love, resilience, courage, and faith. His presence on Earth was not simply a gift but a profound blessing to all who knew him. He was, in every sense, an angel among us.

Born as the youngest child to David and Debbie Smith in Fort Worth, Texas, Matthew was the cherished Christmas gift to his elder brother, Nathan, and sister, Becky. Despite being born with a rare medical condition, Mucopolysaccharidosis Sanfilippo IIIB (MPS), which presented numerous health challenges, Matthew’s life was a vibrant tapestry of joy, exceeding all expectations. He was a medical miracle, having negotiated with God for an additional thirty-four years beyond the typical life expectancy for those with MPS.

Matthew was a true cowboy, through and through. As a young boy, he loved his red boots, later trading them for black ropers as he grew older. Always impeccably dressed, whether, for a rodeo or an Easter service, his radiant smile and warm hugs were his signature. Despite his small stature, Matthew’s presence was larger than life, illuminating every room he entered. His passions were as diverse as his personality – music, singing, dancing, basketball, participating in the Special Olympics, quoting movie lines, collecting sheriff badges, replica revolvers, and Texas Rangers memorabilia. He loved horses, Woody in Toy Story, Mr. Rogers, Michael Jackson, Pee-Wee Herman, black cowboy hats, IBC root beer, and coke in a bottle, writing the letter ‘t’ on any paper he could find, and a deep love for Christmas and his beloved Green Tree.

Matthew’s bond with his family was greater than unbreakable. He fiercely adored his parents, whose care and love provided him with a life filled with comfort and joy. After graduating from Hermitage High School in Arkansas in 2003, Matthew would accompany his father, a local pastor, as he ministered to others. His gentle spirit brought solace to so many. The Smith family later returned to their Texas roots, where Matthew was an active part of LaMarque’s First Baptist Church/Church at Painted Meadows. Always sitting near the front, his enthusiastic participation in church services, especially his favorite praise song, Open the Eyes of My Heart, Lord, was a sight to behold!

Today, Matthew is free from earthly suffering and is rejoicing in the presence of his Creator, alongside his grandparents, Charles and Helen Nadine Smith, John and Esther Marjorie Biggers, and uncles Eddie Biggers and Johnny Biggers.

Matthew’s legacy lives and shines on through his parents, Drs. David and Debbie Smith of Huntsville, Texas; brother, Nathan Smith (Lia) of Houston, Texas; sister, Becky (Matthew Spilman-Ehrsam) of Houston, Texas; nephews, Peyton (Kaleigh) and Noah; nieces, Lauryn, Violet, and Madyson; aunt Deborah Smith; aunt Barbara Krenek and uncle Ron Krenek; and cousins Jay Krenek (Megan), Christina Krenek (Seth Jones), and Bethany Toth (Adam), and the thousands of people whose lives intersected his.

If you would like to give a donation, please consider donating in Matthew’s honor to https://CureSanfilippofoundation.org