Rosie Mae Cooper Smith

Rosie Mae Cooper Smith, 99, of Fordyce, Arkansas, peacefully completed her earthly walk on Monday, March 2, 2026. She was born on April 30, 1926, in Prattsville, Arkansas, to the loving parents, Mathew Cooper and Lela Mae Pumphrey Cooper.

At an early age, Rosie professed her faith in Christ at Davis Creek Baptist Church in Prattsville. She attended the local segregated school in the area before continuing her education in Little Rock, Arkansas, at Arkansas Baptist College. After leaving school, she returned to Prattsville and began working at Curtis Mathis, where she assembled televisions. She later became employed at West Bend, contributing to the production of kitchen utensils.

In 1984, Rosie experienced the loss of the love of her life, her husband of more than 30 years, Richard. From that time forward, she embraced life with strength and independence. A true outdoorswoman, Rosie found joy in gardening, fishing, attending horse races, and listening to all genres of music. Her greatest passion, however, was hunting—especially deer hunting. She was a proud and faithful member of the Daybreak Hunting Club in Fordyce for over 53 years. This past season marked the first time in nearly 60 years that she was unable to participate in hunting.

Rosie lived life with enthusiasm. She was outgoing, talkative, and genuinely enjoyed being around people. Kind-hearted yet spirited, she was never afraid to speak her mind when necessary. She firmly believed in being a blessing to others and generously supported numerous organizations, including various law enforcement groups, children’s charities, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Richard; her sons, Richard Smith, Jr. and James Smith; her daughters, Eva Whaley and Mary Stuckey; her brother, Edward Cooper; her sons-in-law, Grim Letbetter, Bobby Neal, and William Stuckey; and her sister-in-law, Winnie Mae Cooper.

Rosie leaves to cherish her memory her sons, Kirk Smith (Yvonne) of Hot Springs, Arkansas, and Lynn Smith of Fordyce; her daughters, Ida M. Cooper Letbetter of Fordyce, Merrill Smith Farmer (William) of Little Rock, Arkansas, and Essie Neal of Henderson, Texas; her stepsons, Charles Smith (Erma) and Terry Matlock; her stepdaughters, Emma Woods and Daisy Lewis, all of Las Vegas, Nevada; 15 grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and dear friends.

Her Homegoing Celebration will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Brandon’s Mortuary in Malvern. A viewing will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., prior to the service.

Rosie’s online guestbook is available below for family and friends wishing to share words of comfort and remembrance. The family will be receiving gifts and cards at her son, Kirk's home at 121 Lombard Court, Hot Springs, Arkansas 71901. Brandon’s Mortuary is honored to be entrusted with professional services and compassionate care.