Dollie Dee Smith

(Dee Smith), Dollie D. Watson Wood Smith, age 89, of Jonesboro, AR, died Friday, January 7, 2011, at St. Bernard’s Medical Center in Jonesboro. She was born in Conway to the late Fletcher M. and Lena Muse Watson.

She was preceded in death, by her husbands, Carl J. Wood and Johnny Smith, and by a son, Bobby Fletcher Wood; two brothers: Waverly L. Watson and Rollie B. Watson; four sisters: Velma Coyte, Elsie Wimberly, Roxie Carmichael and Fannie Huffman.

Surviving is her daughter, Gayle Vickers of Jonesboro, two grandchildren: Samuel Vickers with the U.S. Navy and Stephanie Vickers Smith of Hot Springs; and a great-granddaughter Kaylee Smith of Hot Springs. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews.

There will be a small private service held at Harris Funeral Home in Morrilton on Saturday, January 15, 2011, at 1:00 p.m.

There will be no visitation in Jonesboro. However, there will be a celebration of her life held later this spring in an event for youth and seniors. “Mother, a retired business professional, spent these last years dedicated to Jonesboro’s youth and their teachers. She worked daily from the age of 75 until 87, with second graders, finding the work both energizing and fulfilling. It was through her work at West Elementary and Hillcrest Elementary schools and her continuous stories and enthusiasm about ‘our kids’ that originally stirred the idea of Neighborhood Networks for the City of Jonesboro . She lived her life in service so it seems only appropriate that we honor her strong beliefs in the abilities of our youth to achieve, and elders to empower, through a celebration of her life later this spring. A spirit like hers never leaves you. Her legacy has just begun.

Rather than flowers, please follow her example by blessing the life of a child or senior through kindness. Share your experience of this gift, or your memories of her on Respectance.com under Dee Wood-Smith.