Melanie Lane Smith

Melanie Lane Smith, 42, of San Antonio, TX, passed away suddenly on March 16, 2025, after an 18-month battle with multiple illnesses. She was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, to Laura and John Wayne Smith and grew up in Little Rock and Hot Springs.

Her toddler years were marked by her quiet and observant nature, always studying the world around her. As a young girl, she developed a love for animals, nature, and learning. She grew into a strong, independent, and faithful young woman.

Melanie graduated from Lakeside High School in 2001, where she excelled academically, played marimba in the band, and the piano at church. She was an active member of the youth group at First Baptist Hot Springs, where she was baptized. She went on to attend the University of Tulsa, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude and earned a master's degree, followed by a Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science.

During high school, Melanie volunteered at the Charitable Christian Medical Clinic in Hot Springs, helping to develop the drug assistance program. This experience sparked her passion for helping others by using her gifts and strengths, a passion that she carried throughout her life.

Melanie worked for several years in cybersecurity and military simulation before ultimately venturing out on her own as a computer consultant. Her consulting business, Blue Tree Data Consulting, allowed her to combine her love for nonprofits with her expertise in technology. She became deeply involved in the missions of over 100 nonprofits, helping them achieve their full potential. In 2023, she launched Data Capacity Builders, an organization that brings together experts dedicated to solving problems in the nonprofit sector. Her work was always filled with fervor and purpose.

Melanie had many passions. She was a fierce advocate for the disenfranchised, particularly foster children, and spent many years volunteering in respite care. She also served as the president of the board of Family Hope House in Tulsa, OK. She firmly believed that every child deserved to be fought for and believed in, and she spoke life into every child who came into her home. She had a special place in her heart for animals, especially her rescue dogs: Maggie, Peter, and Lulu. She cherished being surrounded by nature, particularly the clear blue waters, trees, and mountains of Lake Ouachita. Melanie proudly claimed to be the “champion” of the inner tube behind the boat, a pastime that taught her the lifelong lesson of “hang on!” She loved to travel and explore, participating in several triathlons and week-long camping and biking treks across Texas and Oklahoma.

Melanie was predeceased by her grandparents, Bobbie and James Parker, and Catherine and Henry Smith, as well as by her favorite mentee, Brianna. She is survived by her parents, Laura and John Wayne Smith; her sister, Melissa Rodgers (Dustin); her brother, Drew Smith (Christina); and her nieces, Anna Rodgers, Emma Smith, and Jillian Rodgers, each her favorite; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and clients.

Services will be held on March 29, 2025 at 11:00am (Visitation at 10:00 am) at First Baptist Church, 2350 Central Ave., Hot Springs, AR. A private burial service will be held at a later date.

In memory of Melanie, spend a day with your favorite chapter in the Book of Psalms immersed in nature, and count your blessings; and do a good deed for your favorite non profit organization. Memorials may be sent to CCMC: www.ccmchs.org, 133 Arbor, Hot Springs, AR 71901; or your favorite charity.