Toni Whitt

Toni Whitt, 57, of Fort Smith, died June 24 in Bentonville. She was born September 19, 1955 in Sacramento, CA. She practiced law with the Collins and Moates Law Firm. Toni (Loni to her granddaughters) was born in Sacramento to Billie and Papa Sanchez. Soon afterwards Billie married Kip Swift and formally adopted Toni as his daughter. Ambitious, precocious, and very smart from a young age, she went on to graduate from the University of Arkansas at age 19. She earned her law degree (also from the U of A) just three years later. She started her legal career working for Legal Services doing pro bono work for the needy in Arkansas who could not afford legal representation. She continued on in her career to do contract law for companies like Hiram Walker and oil and gas work for large petroleum companies. She also helped to develop real estate projects in Fort Smith such as Green Pointe Shopping Center. Toni was one of the most loving and giving people on this planet. She was a cub scout leader, homeroom mom, Booster Club supporter, Next Step Day Room contributor, Community Rescue Mission supporter, Altrusa volunteer, and a Junior League member. She also loved dogs and was active with the Humane Society – organizing fundraisers to help them build their current facility on Kelley Highway. She is survived by three sons; Storm Nolan, Kane and Judy Whitt, and Josh Hooper, all of Fort Smith; her mother, Billie Smith of Van Buren and two granddaughters, Abigail and Olivia Whitt. Funeral services will be at 10:00AM Thursday, June 27 in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church Fort Smith with burial following at Oak Cemetery. Viewing will be Wednesday, June 26 from 8:00am-5:00pm at Edwards Funeral Home. The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations can be made to Community Rescue Mission, 310 North F Street, Fort Smith, AR 72901.