Marilyn J. Smith

Marilyn J. Smith, age 63, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 27, 2019, at home in Fayetteville, Ark. She was born on February 22, 1956 in Shamrock, Texas to the late Manna Q and Helen (Simon) Johnson. She was a 1974 graduate of Gilmer High School, in Gilmer, Texas. She married Cornelious Smith on June 19, 1974. To this union 3 children were born. She went on to Kilgore Junior college and graduated with a AB in Secretarial Sciences in 1976. She moved to Fayetteville the following summer and accepted a position with the University of Arkansas where she continued to work for 43 years. During that time she was blessed with another child and continued to thrive and rise until she achieved the position of Assistant to the Dean of Students. She has helped produce four decades of educators, health professionals and student leaders. Marilyn was a faithful member of St. James Baptist Church from the old church to the new. She taught Sunday School and served in the Audio/Visual Department. Preceding her in death is one son, Justin Lynn Smith. Left to honor Marilyn and remember her love are her husband, Cornelious Smith; daughter, Wendy Moss; son, William Simon Cornelious Smith (Trey); three granddaughters, Kiyah Moss, Mariyah Moss and Zaniyah Moss-Rainey, all of Fayetteville; her mother, Helen Johnson of Gilmer, Texas; three sisters, Lula, Eleanor and Aundria; two brothers, Manuel and Michael; and a slew of nieces, nephews and cousins. Whether at home, work, or church, Marilyn nourished those around her with her kindness and soft strength. Family, friends and others whose lives Marilyn touched are invited to Beard's Funeral Chapel, 855 S. Happy Hollow Road, Fayetteville, Ark. 72701, from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. on Thursday, May 2, 2019, to reminisce and support each other. Funeral services will be held May 3, 2019 at 11 a.m. at St. James Baptist, 764 W. North Street, Fayetteville, Ark. 72701. Interment will be in Gilmer, Texas. Condolences at www.beardsfuneralchapel.com.