Irene Royston Hamby Smith

Irene Royston Hamby Smith, wife of Alfred Smith III, passed away on Tuesday, July 17, 2007. Visiting at Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government St., on Friday, July 20, from 10 a.m. until religious service at noon, conducted by the Rev. Dr. Dick Gates. Graveside service at De Ann Cemetery, Prescott Ark., at 11 a.m. Saturday. She was born in Prescott, Ark., on July 22, 1916, and was a member of a well-known pioneer family of Arkansas. After graduating from her high school as salutatorian, she attended Henderson State University, where she received a bachelor's degree in education. She held many college honors, including vice president of her senior class. During World War II, she worked for Lion Chemical Ozark Ordinance Works and was author of the History of OOW. After moving to Pampa, Texas, she served as a gray lady. She taught school in Arkansas and later after moving to Louisiana, she taught at Istrouma Middle and Southeast Middle school in Baton Rouge. Throughout her life, she was active in many organizations, having served as president of the Tally Up Club for Ethyl Corporation's wives, a member of the John James Audubon Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution for more than 50 years and the Colonial Dames of America in Arkansas and a life member of the Women's Club and the Camelot Club. She was a member of the local and state retired teachers organizations, a former member of the Comite Campers and a proud member of the Onagers Club. Her church and family were an important part of her life. She taught Sunday school at First Presbyterian Church and was active in her church circle. She led a Cub Scout den, as well as a Brownie troop. She formed many lifelong friendships that she held very dear. She is survived by a son, Randolph H. Smith and daughter-in-law, Ruth Tally Smith of Kingwood, Texas; a daughter, Irene S. Alesce and son-in-law, Leon Alesce of Baton Rouge; and three grandchildren, Randolph H. Smith Jr,, Lauren Elizabeth Smith and Allison Irene Alesce She was preceded in death by her by husband of 56 years, Alfred Smith III; parents, Mr. and Mrs. Randolph Peden Hamby, who were of Prescott; infant sons, Alfred Smith IV and Frank G. Smith; and a sister, Mary Isabelle Hamby Wathen, who was of Dallas.