Edna Small

Edna Berniece Baker Small of Cabot, Arkansas, lovingly known to her family as “Granny”, peacefully made her Heavenward journey on Monday, April 3, 2023, at the age of 93.  Born at the height of the Great Depression on March 10, 1930, in Griffithville, Arkansas to Bernice Riley and Verdie Ethel Grissom, she was welcomed into Heaven by her parents; her brothers Elmer, Luther, and William Bunton Grissom; as well as her first husband of 40 years, Angus C. Baker of Cabot, Arkansas and her stepson, Charles “Stan” Baker of Dallas.

She is survived by her current husband of 23 years, Linwood E. Small, Jr. of Cabot; her two daughters, Marcia D. Mobbs (Randy) of Austin, and Angela S. Weaver of Cabot; her stepson, John Small (Jennifer) of Rockland, Maine; her sister, Norma Jean Whitmore of Decatur, Michigan; and her five grandchildren; four great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews who have been infinitely blessed to know her.

Throughout her long life, Granny garnered much respect for her fierce work ethic, her love of family and friends, her physical and mental strength, her faith in God, her humility, and her talent for simply telling it like it is (after which, laughter was sure to erupt from those around who witnessed her candor firsthand).  She displayed admirable resiliency when facing hardship, never complaining regardless of the circumstances, and never giving up.  She simply loved life!  She relished making friends of all ages and all backgrounds, any of whom she would have gladly given the clothes off her back or helped in any way she could.  Granny also had an unmatched passion for some of the simplest yet most precious parts of life—mowing the grass, growing gardens and beautiful flowers, and flipping through her Arizona Highways magazines to bask in the beauty of her favorite state, and, of course, humbling her family in countless games of dominoes over the decades.  Indeed, this is precisely how we will remember her; this is how we’ll continue to love her.

She will have a private graveside service at Old Austin Cemetery in Ward, Arkansas for family and a few close friends.  The family would like to thank Arkansas Hospice, Bro. Ben Leonard, and Victory Baptist Church for their compassion and support, especially during her final days.  Any contributions to these organizations in honor of our loved one would be appreciated.  We will see you again soon, Granny.

Arrangements by Smith Westbrook Funeral Home, 404 W Dewitt Henry Drive, Beebe, Arkansas 72012.  www.smithfamilycares.com