Vivian Earlene Smith, age 89

Vivian Earlene Smith, 89, of Jacksonville, Arkansas, went home to be with Jesus on July 5th, 2023. Born on June 20, 1934 in Cash, Arkansas, she was the beloved daughter of the late John and Clara Walters and sister to the late Ruby “Pete” Morgan, Elsie Newton, Mildred “Lea” Wycoff, Mike Walters and surviving brother Rick Walters.

She married Hubert Smith on January 16, 1951, and they were inseparable until his passing September 4, 2020. They had been married for 70 years and 8 months, a true testament of love and commitment.  Earlene is survived by three children: Carol Grooms (Robert), of Sherwood; Ted Smith (Pat), of Jacksonville; and Gary Smith, of Jacksonville. She is also survived by two grandchildren: Robbie Fortner (Andrea) of Carlisle and Holly Rogers (B.J.) of Ward and four great-grandchildren who called her GiGi: Josie Staton (Timothy), Audrey Fortner, Corbin Rogers, and Tinsley Rogers as well as a host of other family members and friends.

Earlene was an excellent example of a Proverbs 31 woman.  She was a pillar of support for her husband and made her house a home, full of peace.  Her everyday appearance was elegant from her neatly styled hair to her carefully selected clothes and manicured nails. During her working years, she co-hosted a Christian radio show with Brenda Winchester for 5 years, hosted estate sales, loved the flea market business, and did many other things to help provide for her family.  She had a calling on her life to encourage others in their faith and lived that out as she gave godly advice, led bible studies, and selflessly served the church. In addition, she and Hubert had a prison ministry and a marriage counseling ministry called “Love Bug.”  She knew it was better to give than to receive. If someone opposed her giving, she would say, “Don’t rob me of a blessing.” When she was with you, she gave you her focused attention speaking directly to your spirit. Joy was her strength marked by her unmistakable laughter and humor. She had the ability to turn a wind-up trinket into an afternoon of fun, and mundane tasks into moments to cherish.  She was dedicated to her family and so proud of them as evidenced by the displays of pictures and art creations made over the years.  She leaves an inheritance of prayers over them. Earlene’s passing leaves a void in the lives of those who knew and loved her. May her memory live on in our hearts forever until we meet again in Heaven.

Visitation to honor Earlene’s life will be held on Monday, July 10, 2023 from 6:00-8:00pm in the chapel of A Natural State Funeral Service; 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, July 11, 2023 at 11:00am in Jonesboro, Arkansas at Unity Cemetery.  Family and friends are invited to attend.

Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com