Mary Smithers

Mary Edna Watson Smithers, age 97, of Benton, went to be with the Lord on April 6, 2017. She was preceded in death by her husband, Reece D. Smithers. Born in Mt. Vernon, Ark., she moved with her parents Dr. Thomas Churchill and Margaret Langford Watson to Benton with her sisters, Bessie and Evelyn, and brother Thomas in 1928. She graduated Benton High School in 1937 and Arkansas State Teachers College (now UCA) in 1941. Years later she earned her Master's Degree from the University of Arkansas. While Reece was fighting in the South Pacific during W.W. II, Mary Edna and their daughter Anne lived in Oxnard, California where she taught school. Upon returning to Saline County after the war, she participated as a member of First Baptist Church of Benton and several civic organizations. Mary Edna and Reece were part of a large extended family which included Kenneth and Bessie Coffelt, Jim and Evelyn Oursler, Tom and Opal Watson, Charles O. and Eula Dyer Smithers, Kenneth and Lois Cook, John and Doris Melton, Clomer and Bettye Smithers, Buddy and Charlene Reid and numerous nieces and nephews. Mary Edna was a brilliant hostess, wonderful cook and made a home that was welcoming to family, friends, and all the friends her children brought home. After raising her five children to school age, she returned to teaching in the 1960's. She taught 4th grade at Ringgold Elementary for 20 years. She was a founding member of Centerpoint Church where she was an active member hosting numerous meetings and events in her home until her health no longer allowed her to do so. Five children survive her: Anne Caldwell of Loveland, Colo., Susan Seaman of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, Jane Smith of Coppell, Texas, Sarah Kucynski of Suffolk, Va. and Dr. Mark Smithers of Atlanta, Texas. She is also survived by six grandsons, Clay Caldwell, Brooks Caldwell, Jonathan Smith, Dr. Joel Smithers, Dr. Drew Smithers, Dr. Bridger Smithers and a step-grandson, Benjamin Seaman. She is a great-grandmother to Paris Caldwell, Zoe Caldwell, Lilli Smithers, Reagan Smith, Lincoln Smith, Aylianna Smithers and Brielle Smithers. Gabriel Caldwell is her great-great-grandson. Visitation will be 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Wednesday, April 12 at Ashby Funeral Home. Graveside services will be 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 12 at Fowler Cemetery in Paron. The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to her caregivers Amanda Rhodes and Jennifer Singleton for their excellent care and their love for our mother. Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.