Monetta Gayle (Smith) Henderson of Crowell, Texas passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, December 29, 2025.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at the First Baptist Church in Crowell, with Rev. John Holley officiating.  Interment will follow at Crowell Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday evening at Smith Funeral Home in Crowell.

Gayle was born October 3, 1946, in Vernon, Texas, to Tom Smith and Carrol Jean (Harvey) Smith.  She was raised in Margaret, Texas in Foard county on the Smith family farm, where her father was born and spent his entire life.  Gayle, along with her brother, Jim Tom, have continued this legacy and the farm remains a Smith family treasure.

She graduated from Crowell High School and went on to work for many years in gerontology. She worked as a nursing home activity director and later spent many years as a caregiver for numerous elderly patients. She married Charles William "Chuck" Henderson in September of 1983.

One of Gayle's most special gifts was her musical talent.  Her most fulfilling joy was playing the piano.  She began playing at the age of nine, playing at the Baptist and Methodist churches in Margaret.  Gayle continued sharing this special God-given talent her entire life. Over the years, she served as the pianist for numerous churches including Highland Heights Baptist Church and Woodhaven Baptist Church in Wichita Falls, TX, First Baptist Church in Alamogordo, NM and First Baptist Church in Crowell, where she has played since her return there in 2008.

Gayle is survived by her husband, Chuck Henderson of Crowell; children, Stan Sweeney and wife Liz of Corpus Christi, Texas; Bridget McCaleb and husband Rodney of Wheeler, Texas, James Henderson and Matthew Henderson of Indianapolis, Indiana; Tonya Burnett and husband Jeramie of Brownsburg, Indiana; grandchildren, Sean, Kiersten, Olivia, Ashley, and Matt; her brother, Jim Tom Smith and wife Carolyn of Tuscola, Texas; two nieces, LeighAnn Wiegart and husband Will and their children Julian and Katarina, and Lacey Williams and husband Blair and their children Bryce and Makyleigh; and many other relatives and special friends.

The family suggests memorials be made to the Crowell Volunteer Fire Department or First Baptist Church of Crowell.