Connie Jean (Christopher) Smith

Connie Smith, 77 of Ft. Smith Arkansas passed away peacefully at home on Monday April 19, 2021. She was born on August 8, 1943 in Orlando FL to Kenneth E. And Jean (Fix) Christopher. She graduated from Shawnee Mission East High School in Prairie Village, KS and earned a BA in Art Education from Emporia State University in 1965. In 1964 she attended the Art Institute of Chicago for a semester. She returned to ESU to continue her work in art doing graduate work before moving to Ft. Smith AR in 1966.

Connie was united in marriage to Douglas Omar Smith,Jr. On December 7, 1968. Doug was truly the love of her life. They were married 49 years until his death in 2017.

Connie was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church where she served on the Altar Guild for many years. She was a member of the Ft. Smith Junior League and a member of Chi Omega sorority.

Connie had a long career in advertising as an account manager at Miles Beals and Associates. She enjoyed many social activities and events that she and Doug were involved in, including cheering on the Arkansas Razorbacks as season ticket holders. She was passionate about horticulture and gardening and especially adored her rose garden. Connie was an avid fan of exercise and could be found in the gym first thing every morning. She also enjoyed collecting art sewing and quilting.

Survivors include her stepdaughter Sara Smith Fant of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, brother, Robert M. Christopher and partner Celeste Luftman of Quartzville AZ, sister Elizabeth C. Turtle and husband Jim of Manhattan KS, step granddaughter Frances Adair Fant of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL and seven nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Doug, her stepson Douglas Omar Smith,III and sister, Kimberley Jo Allen.

In keeping with Connie’s wishes, a private family service will be held on April 23, at St. John’s Episcopal Church, with internment of ashes to follow in the church columbarium. Edward’s Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.