Lillie Smith

Lillie Smith, 88, of Alma, was called into the arms of our God, Monday, July 27, 2026, at her home surrounded by her family who loved and respected her dearly. She was born October 10, 1937 in Van Buren to the late Loal and Lillie (Howell) Harwell. She was the valedictorian in her graduating class at Van Buren High School. She was a retired legal secretary. She was a member of Blessed Hope Baptist Church and former member of Concord Baptist. She was a pianist, organist and Sunday School Teacher, and belonged to a gospel singing quartet and accompanied her four daughters. She loved her family and prayed for each one by name daily. She loved the Lord and her faith never wavered no matter what the situation in life. You never heard her say a bad word about anyone, she always looked for the best in everyone, and when life got hard she was the one to call to pray with.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Clyde Smith; a daughter, Lavonna Kay Jordan; three sisters, Ruth Matthews, Doris Hickey, and Patsy Smith; a brother, Tom Harwell; and a granddaughter, Mindy Jordan Archer.

She is survived by three daughters, Carolyn Shelby, Linda Dillard, and Jeannie Smith, all of Alma; two sisters, LouEllen Ingle of Alma, and Dorli Wiggins of Cedarville; three granddaughters, Nikki Jordan of Fayetteville, Kelly Osburn of Alma, and Jennifer Chivington of Alma; four grandsons, Ryan Dillard of Alma, Landon Shelby and Logan Shelby, both of Fort Smith, and Justin Cristee of Van Buren; fourteen great-grandchildren, Darek Archer, Nicholas Archer, Devehn Fowler, KrisLynn Patrick, Bentley Osburn, Kinley Osburn, Asher Osburn, Ellie Chivington, Caleb Dillard, Dawson Shelby, Daye Shelby, Jackson Cristee, Lillie Cristee, and Wyatt Cristee; and five great-great-grandchildren, Jax Archer, Krislynn Archer, Gracie Shelby, Adelynn Shelby, and Aubree Wells.

Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, July 30, 2026 at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home Chapel in Van Buren. Private burial will be at Gracelawn Cemetery, under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home of Van Buren, AR.

Pallbearers will be Landon Shelby, Logan Shelby, Ryan Dillard, Justin Cristee, Dawson Shelby, Derek Archer, and Nicholas Archer.

The family will visit with friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home, 4100 Alma Highway, Van Buren, AR.

Memorial contributions may be made to Blessed Hope Baptist Church, 3519 N Hwy 71st N, Alma, AR 72921.