Roll Call Tribute

Fannie Elkins (Kataoka) Smith, M.D. 

April 7, 1949 - August 13, 2025 

Dr. Fannie Elkins Kataoka Smith, 76, passed away unexpectedly August 13, 2025. Born on April 7, 1949. Fannie was born and raised in Huntsville, Texas.

She graduated from Huntsville High School; she received her Bachelor of Science and her Master of Arts degrees from Sam Houston State University. She received her PhD in Cell Biology from Texas Tech University. Fannie then went on to receive her Doctor of Medicine Degree from Texas A&M University School of Medicine Class of 1982. She often reminisced about her time spent at Texas A&M, as well as her beloved classmates. Their class was the second class to graduate from the Texas A&M School of Medicine. She also received her Fellow in Endocrinology from the Oregon Health Sciences University.

Fannie’s career took her from Galveston, across Texas, to Boston, New Jersey, to Denmark and beyond. Fannie enjoyed treating patients, but her passion was medical research, specifically Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism and Internal Medicine. Areas in which she was well known and respected. When it was time for retirement she came home to Huntsville.

Fannie was a beloved daughter, sister, aunt and friend. She loved gathering with family, extended family and friends, she was a fun and gracious host. She enjoyed the accomplishments of her nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews and was always happy to share the most current updates.

Fannie loved animals, nature and children. Three dogs and one cat kept Fannie busy during retirement as well as checking in on family members, gardening, reading and following the Astros. She enjoyed her return to Huntsville getting back in touch with old friends and reacquainting herself with Huntsville.

Fannie was preceded in death by her parents Reo and Ruth Kataoka and siblings Eleanor and James, as well as her beloved Chocolate Lab Rufus.

Fannie leaves behind sisters Julie Mitchell of Irving, Texas and Isabel (Rikio) Inn of Torrance, California and brother Reo (Elyn) Kataoka of Humble, Texas. Nieces and nephews: John (Stephanie) Mitchell, David (Maria) Mitchell, Marc (Michelle) Inn, Cheryl (Greg) Sato, Lisa (David) Vally. Great nieces and nephews: Allison Mitchell, Hannah Mitchell, Ian Mitchell, Ava Mitchell, Mirabelle Inn, Kylie Sato, Sean Sato, Kayla Vally, Devin Vally, and Allison Vally. As well as her beloved Red Heelers Ricky and Lucy. Her family, friends and especially her dear puppies will miss her sorely.

There will be a memorial service for Fannie 11:00AM Saturday September 6, 2025. Heritage Oak Funeral Home, 1080 Interstate 45 South Huntsville, Texas 77340 and reception to follow.

In lieu of Flowers please make a donation to: Rita B Huff Humane Society Of Walker County, 1495 Veterans Memorial Parkway, Huntsville, Texas 77340