Syble Louise Smallwood

Syble L. (Noah) Smallwood, 81, Carthage, Mo., went to be with Jesus on June 22, 2008. She was born Feb. 21, 1927, in Red Oak, Okla., to C.H. and Vallie Noah. She graduated from Red Oak High School in 1945, and attended Eastern Oklahoma State College for one year. She married Howard Smallwood on April 18, 1946, at Eastern Oklahoma State College. They moved to Carthage in 1946. She worked at the Probate Court as a clerk for 20 years. She then graduated from Missouri Southern University with a teaching degree in special education. She received her master's degree from Pittsburg State University. She taught at the State School for the Handicapped in Joplin, for 17 years. Mrs. Smallwood was a member of the First Baptist Church, Carthage. Every summer Syble loved to travel to other countries. After she and Howard retired they traveled to Mexico, and were winter Texans. She was an avid bowler and crafter. Syble is survived by her husband, Howard, of 63 years; a son and daughter-in-law, Kim and Cindy Smallwood; two grandsons, Micah and Casey Smallwood, Carthage; a brother, Ralph Noah, Red Oak; one sister, Elaine Holly, Wilburton, Okla.; and several nieces and nephews; her special caregiver, Pauline Benefiel. Syble was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Lillian; one brother, Harold; and two nephews, Clifton and Ellis Lynn. Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 25, at Park Cemetery, Carthage. Dr. Carl Garrett will officiate. Public viewing will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 24, at Knell Mortuary, Carthage. In memory of Mrs. Smallwood, the family request that memorial gifts be given to the Gideon's International in care of Knell Mortuary, Carthage.