Erma "Curley" Smith

Erma “Curley” Smith, 97, of Jonesboro passed from this life Friday, February 15, 2019 at Lexington Place Nursing Home. She was born in Craighead County on May 21, 1921 to the late Leonard and Stella Wiles and remained a lifetime resident of Craighead County. She was the longest tenured member at Walnut Street Baptist Church having joined and being baptized in 1935. She faithfully served in a variety of ways over the years. She sang in the choir, made the desert for the Wednesday night meal until she was no longer able to place the big cake pans in the oven, and she also taught children in Sunday school and vacation bible school. She was well known for cooking and taking meals to families in time of need. She was the President of Herman EHC for many years and was once chosen homemaker of the year by the county council. Curley was especially well known for her peanut brittle. Curley’s greatest passion aside from her church was her family, and she loved each and every one of them dearly.

In addition to her parents, Curley is preceded in death by her Husband, Paul R. Smith; daughter, Kathy Woods; three sisters, Norene Kaffka, Helen Smith, and Aliene Greene; and one grandchild, Chris McBroome.

Curley is survived by two daughters, Paula McGowan of Bono and Karen (Jay) Gamblin of Jonesboro; grandchildren, Jayme Smith, Amanda(Matt) McQuay, Scott McGowan, Jason Woods, Clay Woods, and; and great grandchildren, Lexie (Tucker) Smith, Kyle McBroome, Makayla Henderson, Ashlee Henderson, Shaun Robert Henderson Jr., Raelee McQuay, Colt McQuay and Logan McQuay.

A visitation will be from 12 – 2:00 p.m. Monday, February 18, 2019 at Walnut Street Baptist Church.

A funeral service will follow the visitation at 2:00 p.m., February 18, 2019 at Walnut Street Baptist Church with Brother Curtis Shatley officiating. Burial will follow at Herman Cemetery with active pallbearers being grandsons.

The family wants to extend special thanks to Dr. Ben Owens and her caregivers at Lexington Place who lovingly and tenderly cared for her. Please do not forget that she loved you, too.

For lasting memorials family asks that donations please be made to Walnut Street Baptist Church.