Eartha Yvonne Smallwood

June 11, 1955 – July 7, 2026

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Matthew 25:23

There are some people whose presence leaves an everlasting imprint on every heart they touch. Eartha Yvonne Harbour Smallwood was one of those extraordinary souls. She lived a life firmly rooted in faith, compassion, service, and unconditional love—a life that inspired countless others through her kindness, resilience, generosity, and unwavering grace.

Eartha was born on June 11, 1955, in Corinth, Mississippi, to the late Dorothy V. Coman Harbour Cummings and Sammie L. Harbour. Raised in the close-knit community of Corinth, she developed a deep appreciation for family, faith, and music from an early age. She attended Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, where her love for music first blossomed into a lifelong passion. Eartha graduated from Corinth High School in 1973, carrying with her a determination to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

She continued her education at Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education in 1977. While at Rust, she proudly became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, embracing a lifelong commitment to scholarship, sisterhood, and service. Never one to stop learning, Eartha later pursued graduate studies in Social Work at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, combining her compassionate heart with her calling to uplift and serve others.

On June 2, 1987, Eartha married Ernest C. Smallwood Jr. Together they welcomed two beloved children, Ernest C. Smallwood III of Abilene, Texas, and Eaton C. Smallwood of Dallas, Texas. Motherhood was among Eartha’s greatest blessings, and she devoted herself wholeheartedly to nurturing, encouraging, and loving her children throughout every season of life.

Throughout her distinguished career, Eartha held leadership and management positions within the social services, financial, and pharmaceutical industries. Her professionalism, integrity, and genuine concern for others earned the admiration of colleagues and lifelong friends alike. To those who worked alongside her, she was far more than a coworker—she was a trusted mentor, a compassionate listener, and a loyal friend whose encouragement and wisdom left a lasting impression.

Yet, beyond every title and accomplishment, it was Eartha’s heart that truly defined her.

She possessed a rare gift for making everyone feel welcomed, valued, and loved. Her laughter was infectious, her smile unforgettable, and her gentle spirit brought comfort wherever she went. She found joy in spending time with family and friends, traveling to new places, listening to music, celebrating life’s milestones, and creating cherished memories that would be treasured for generations. Her empathy knew no bounds. She had an extraordinary ability to comfort those who were hurting while celebrating the joys and successes of others as though they were her own.

Among the many roles she cherished, none brought her greater joy than being “GoGo.” Her beloved grandson, Quincy—the light of her life—filled her heart with immeasurable pride and happiness. Their bond was one of unconditional love, laughter, and countless precious moments. She also shared a deeply special relationship with her cherished goddaughter, Harmonie Young, whom she loved as her own.

Eartha leaves behind a legacy of unwavering faith, compassion, strength, grace, and selfless love. She is lovingly survived by her husband, Ernest C. Smallwood Jr.; her son, Ernest C. Smallwood III; her daughter, Eaton C. Smallwood; her stepdaughter, Kris Sanders; her treasured grandson, Quincy; her beloved goddaughter, Harmonie Young; her sisters, Tiffany Harbour Moore and Tameka Jones-Clay; and a host of cousins, extended family members, dear friends, sorors, and all whose lives were forever enriched by knowing and loving her.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Dorothy V. Coman Harbour Cummings; her father, Sammie L. Harbour; her stepfather, Henderson Cummings; and her brothers, Eric Jason Coman and Colon Harbour.

Although our hearts are heavy with the loss of her physical presence, we are profoundly grateful for the years we were blessed to share with her. Eartha taught us that love is demonstrated through kindness, strength is revealed through compassion, and a life devoted to serving others is a life of extraordinary purpose.

Her beautiful legacy will continue to live on through every life she touched, every lesson she taught, every smile she shared, and every act of love she gave so freely. Though she is no longer with us in body, her spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

We were blessed because she was here.

And while we will miss her beyond words, we rejoice in knowing that she now rests peacefully in the loving arms of her Savior.

Forever loved.

Forever remembered.

Forever cherished.

Forever missed.