Mattie Maryetta Smith

Mattie Maryetta Smith has found her way home. She was born, January 29, 1921 to Lula Sorrells and Henry Fortenberry, in Monroe County, Arkansas and died Monday, April 24, 2017 in McCrory, Arkansas. Mattie married George Raney (G.R.) Smith in December 14, 1936, in Monroe County, Arkansas. The couple lived a long and fruitful life together. G.R. predeceased her in February, 2005. The couple was blessed with seven children and lived their lives in and around Woodruff County, Arkansas making their living in the farming industry. Many of their children assisted in that endeavor in the early days, as children tended to do during those years. As her children grew up, Mattie also often worked outside of the home, where she grew to know people all around the area. She was outgoing, friendly and well loved. She was known by many as Ms. Mattie and by most as ‘Big Momma', which is what her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren called her. She lived a full and satisfying life, in which she worked hard and reaped great rewards. She was a lifelong member of the McCrory Church of the Nazarene and never failed to attend while she could. She was a prolific cook and prepared delicious table groaning feasts for all who cared to join the family for a meal. To that end she was particularly sought out by her great-grandchildren for her homemade biscuits and gravy! She also continued to ‘put up' or ‘can' in season fruits and vegetables for the fall and winter season; so delicious food was abundant all year long. She was a strong and strong willed woman, and continued to plant a large garden into her late 80's, against the urging of many of her family. She was on the bowling league for just as long, getting her picture in the paper for making the high game score. She enjoyed playing cards on a weekly basis with a group of friends well into her 90's. She was a member of the ‘Red Hat Society', with whom she socialized and went out for meals on a regular basis. In short, she continued to enjoy life to the fullest and spend quality time with family and friends as long as she possibly could. Mattie and G.R's children are as follows Linda Smith Cain (husband Donald, deceased); John Smith, deceased, (wife Bobbi); Dewayne Smith, (wife Darlene); Tony Smith, (wife Penny); Judy Gettys, (husband Dale, deceased); Terry Graham Smith; Shelia Milton, (husband Mike). Their grandchildren and families include: Bari Cain and wife Lori, children, Sarah and Jack; Kimberly Cain; Jim Cain and son's Raney Cain (wife Maru and children Addisyn, Stella, Dalilah and Dain) and Patton Cain. Matt Smith and wife Camilla, children Dani Lee (husband Jonathan) and Jaden Smith. Angela Smith Renwick and husband Neil, and Angela's daughter Kristen McCutchen. Devin Smith and wife Karen and their son Jericho. Shawna Smith Sanner and children Summer King and Cameron Sanner. Megan Alright, Sydney and Kirby Smith. David Taylor and wife Rochelle and child Connor. Sherri Wade and husband Shane and children Lauren and Darin and his wife Kalli. Jamie Don Gettys and wife Melanie and their children Jayla and Jaylee. Jason Smith. Shane Milton and wife Lat and their children Hunter, McKenzie and Madison. She also has a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends too numerous to name. Visitation for Ms. Mattie will begin at 12 noon on Wednesday, April 26th with 1 p.m. funeral services following at the Thompson-Wilson McCrory Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will be in Woodman Cemetery. Pallbearers are: Joey Cain, Charlie Wiggins, Craig Cain, Allan Morris and Van Scott. Honorary Pallbearers: Gerald Rooks, James Jackson, Boyce Brown, Bari Cain, Jim Cain, Matt Smith, Devin Smith, David Taylor, Jayme Gettys and Shane Milton.