Billie Jean Smith

Billie Jean Smith, 97, of Alma, passed away Thursday, July 13, 2023 in Charleston. She was born July 13, 1926 in Rudy to the late Claude “Boots” and Ora (Earnest) Young. She was a Pastor’s wife, joint owner and bookkeeper of Barmith Construction, and was retired from Walmart.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Reverend Everett Smith; a daughter, Deborah Elaine Smith; son, Randy Smith; sister, Goldie Burkhart; and brother, J.T. Young.

She is survived by three daughters, Sue Yanda and husband Leo of Fort Smith, Diana Howard and husband Johnny of Alma, and Kathy Jones and husband Dewayne of Alma; nine grandchildren, Debbie Basham, Sheri Spohn, Taira “Sparky” Trusty, Tanya Smith, Randi Kay Coleman, C.J. Smith, Angie Secrest, Misty Alexandria, and Corey Hayden; fourteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

Billie loved her hometown of Rudy where some of her fondest memories were made. As a young girl, she loved running the hills of Rudy with her brother, J.T., where they hunted rabbits together. She was a proud member of the Rudy band. She also played basketball for the Rudy school, and was later a standout player on Alma High School's basketball team.

Basketball was a passion of hers. She was a huge fan of Arkansas Razorback basketball and rarely ever missed watching a game. After marrying Everett and becoming a pastor's wife, they served in many churches around the country, but her heart always remained in Rudy.

Billie was a beloved Mother and Granny who cherished her children and grandchildren as much as they cherished her. She was always thinking of them and bragged about her grandchildren whenever she had the chance. She was also a beloved aunt who loved her nieces and nephews very much.

Billie had a sense of humor and a quick wit, and she loved a good joke or a clever saying. She was an enthusiastic shopper of sales and a wonderful cook. She was especially known for her delicious pies. Always known for enjoying a party, she spent her 97th birthday celebrating with family on both sides of Heaven. She will be greatly missed by her family, but they know she is with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and she is now whole again.

Graveside service will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 18, 2023 at Gracelawn Cemetery, under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home of Van Buren, AR.

Honorary pallbearers will be her grandchildren.

Viewing will be from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday, July 17, 2023, at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home, 4100 Alma Highway, Van Buren, AR.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org