Sylvia McCauley Smykla

Sylvia Lucyle McCauley Smykla, 82, of Plainview, Ark., formerly of Pine Bluff, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, died Saturday, July 31, 2021 after a prolonged illness. She was born March 27, 1939, in Dierks, Ark., to Edrie Delos and Lucyle Dautrieve McCauley. The family lived in several small towns in Arkansas, ending with Redfield, then Wabbeseka, before settling in Pine Bluff in the 1950s. There, Sylvia attended Dollarway schools, eventually graduating from Pine Bluff High School in 1957. She earned her teaching degree from Arkansas A & M College (UA Monticello) and was teaching at Dollarway Elementary School at the time of her marriage to Peter J. Smykla, Jr., December 16, 1961, at McCauley Memorial Christian Church in Pine Bluff. They would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this winter. Sylvia was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, serving as choir director for a number of years. As well as being involved in a multitude of activities at the church, Sylvia was a member of Christian Women's Club and loved hosting the guest speakers in her home. At church and the Arkansas Railroad Club she was known for her delicious brownies. Over the years, Sylvia enjoyed needlework, sewing, cooking, tole painting, playing the piano, studying her Bible, antiquing, spending time with family, and traveling extensively overseas with Peter, after his retirement. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lucyle and Delos McCauley, Sr.; brother, Richard Allen McCauley; sister, Deloa Ann McCauley (infant); and niece, Jo Lena McCauley Phelps. Sylvia is survived by her husband, Peter Smykla, Jr.; daughters, Suzanne (Keith) Osborn of Plainview, Sally (Tim) Scoggins of Bedford, Texas, and Carolyn Sue (David) Moyer of Grapevine, Texas; sons, Peter III (Rebecca) of Austin, Texas, and John (Misti) of Pine Bluff; grandchildren, Jordan (Karen) Scoggins, and Jessica Scoggins (Taylor) Lamb; Evan (fiancée Grace) Peck, and Cheney Osborn, Josie, Grady (Riley), Maximilian, and Reagan Moyer; Adam, Elijah, Julianne, and Samuel Smykla; Mary Caroline and Rhett Smykla; sister, Marette McCauley Jackson (John) Stiritz of Conway; brothers, Delos (Hazel) McCauley of Pine Bluff, Danny McCauley of Bella Vista, David (Yasuko) McCauley of Charlotte, N.C.; sister-in-law, Nancy McCauley (Prentiss) Merritt of Little Rock; sister-in-law, Susan Smykla (Jon) Udell of Madison, Wis.; great-grandchildren, Treyce, Titus, and Tinsley Scoggins, and Everly, Milo, and Sylvia Christine Lamb (due in the fall); 18 nieces and nephews; and several great-nieces and great-nephews. Sylvia had a presence and personality filled with heavenly joy. She had a love that drew people not only to her, but to Jesus Christ. The family is thankful for her relationship with her heavenly Father, knowing that her joy has been made complete. A true Proverbs 31 woman, she was lovely, full of fun, and loved by all. A public graveside service will be held at 12:30 p.m. in Graceland Cemetery at Pine Bluff. Arrangements are by Ralph Robinson & Son Funeral Directors. The family asks that you dress appropriately for weather conditions. Visitation will be Sunday from 5-7 p.m. at Robinson's. The family asks that no flowers or plants be sent. Instead, please make memorials to Trinity Lutheran Church, 4200 Old Warren Road, Pine Bluff, Ark. 71603; or Arkansas Sheriffs' Youth Ranches, P.O. Box 3964, Batesville, Ark. 72503. For online condolences, please visit RalphRobinsonandSon.com