Linda Smith Cain

The oldest of seven children, Linda Smith Cain was born on Oct. 16, 1937 to George Raney Smith and Mattie Marietta Fortenberry Smith in Woodruff County, Ark., where she graduated from the McCrory School system and married James Donald Cain. They were blessed with three children, Bari, Kim and Jim. Linda and her family were longstanding and dedicated members of the McCrory Church of the Nazarene and the community at large, where she served in a variety of positions over the years, including PTA President, Church of the Nazarene board member, and local Garden Club President. For over 40 years, she was immersed in the National Federation of Garden Clubs, becoming a Master Judge, the highest level. Linda enjoyed being involved in local, state and national shows with the garden club, for which she was honored with many awards for her work. In that same vein, she became deeply involved with holiday planning and design at a state and federal level, particularly at the Arkansas Governor's Mansion, where she was appointed as a Board Member for many years and served as Chairman of the Governor's Artist Series. Within the state, she also volunteered at the Arkansas Arts Center, the Decorative Arts Museum and CARTI's Festival of Trees, along with many other organizations. At the request of First Lady Hillary Clinton, she spearheaded planning of the initial Christmas decoration Season at the White House for the first family, under then President Bill Clinton. She continued working with the White House staff and other volunteers to decorate the White House throughout the Clinton Presidency, where she forged many wonderful friendships. That experience was a true highlight in her life. Linda enjoyed event planning in all of its forms and was considered by many to be the consummate hostess. Linda loved to travel, and along with her husband and a variety of friends over the years, she traveled to Europe, South Africa, the South China Sea, Central America, South America and many parts of North America. Linda was a stalwart advocate for all that she held dear. Whether it be her family, her faith, her politics or her favorite sports team, it was always quite clear where she stood. She passed away peacefully in her sleep on Monday, November 19, 2018. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of almost 50 years, Donald Cain; her parents, G.R. and Mattie Smith; and a brother, John Smith. Linda is survived by her children, Bari and his wife Lori Stafford Cain and their children Sarah and Jack (Searcy), Kimberly Cain (Little Rock), Jim Cain (McCrory) and his children, Raney and his wife Maru Cain and their children, Addisyn, Dain, Stella and Dalilah (Maumelle), and Patton Cain (Denver, Colo.); and her five siblings, DeWayne Smith (Darlene), Tony Smith (Penny), Judy Gettys, Terry Graham Smith and Shelia Milton (Mike). She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and wonderful family friends, most especially Judy Beard. Pallbearers are Jan Young, III, Alan Morris, Mike Milton, Terry Kruse, Craig Cain, Joey Cain, Toby Stafford and Tyler Hoffpauir. The funeral will be held on Friday, Nov. 23, 2018, at the Thompson-Wilson Funeral Home in McCrory, officiated by Pastor Bill Gartung, with music by dear friend Marty Kauffman. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. with the funeral at 2 p.m., followed by the burial service at Woodman cemetery, south of McCrory. Memorials may be made to the McCrory Church of the Nazarene, McCrory, Ark. 72101.