Evelyn Nevlee Smith

Evelyn Nevlee (Litton) Smith, aged 90, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 8, 2026.

Born to Taul and Floy Litton on July 17, 1935, Evelyn grew up near Cooper Hill, Missouri with her five siblings: Elmer, Clifford, Venita, Arnold Lee, and Rita. She married one of her childhood friends, Harold Smith, on August 14, 1954. He was the love of her life. Together they had two sons, Dewayne and Dennis. When the boys were young, the family of four moved from Belle to St. Louis. They eventually bought their forever home, where they lived out the rest of their lives happily on a quiet cul-de-sac.

Evelyn was a simple woman with an eye for all things beautiful. She found great joy in having the most stunning flower beds, overflowing hanging baskets, and hibiscus plants full of pink and red buds that lined her front porch. She loved a cool, 70 degree day where she could sit outside and enjoy the breeze, comfortably wearing an embroidered sweatshirt, nails painted a light shade of pink. She enjoyed getting out of the house and buzzing around to garage sales, the Dollar Tree, or the Beauty Shop to have her hair fixed weekly. If the weather was cold or above 90 degrees, you’d find her relaxing in her recliner indoors watching movies or game shows. She loved to listen to music each night on the RFD TV channel, humming and tapping her foot to old country tunes or hymns. Any chance that she had to cook you a good meal, she would have it sitting on the table before you arrived. Out of all her hobbies and pastimes, bingo was her favorite. On Wednesday and Thursday nights you would find her playing 27 cards at once along with the horse races. She had unbelievably great luck, and would always be just plain tickled to tell you about her winnings.

Evelyn loved many things, but she loved her family the most. She was a devoted wife of 68 years. She and Harold spent every minute together and shared a love of showing up for their family at any given opportunity. She was a strong mother who loved her boys unconditionally and supported them to the ends of the earth. When she became a grandmother, that love was no different, just amplified. Her kids, grandkids, and great-granddaughters were truly the center of her world. She loved nothing more than their visits, calls, or texts, and she would brag about them any chance she could. Her biggest smiles and most treasured moments were in the company of a loved one.

Patiently waiting in Heaven for her are; her husband, Harold, their dog Chloe, her parents, her brother Elmer Litton and his wife Charlotte, her sister Venita Elrod and her husband Winifred (Wink), her sister Rita Roberts, and many other cherished extended family members and friends. There is no doubt that she was welcomed with open arms. What a celebration that must have been!

Evelyn is survived by her two sons, Dewayne Smith of Cedar Hill, and Dennis Smith of Union, her beloved grandchildren, Matthew, Kim, Melissa, Delanie, and Demi, and great-granddaughters, Isabella (Mattie) and Ruby. She leaves behind two brothers, Clifford (Leona) Litton of St. Clair, and Arnold Lee (Donna) Litton of Linn, as well as many adored family members and friends.

There are no words to describe how much she will be missed. Those who loved her dearly, eagerly await their own reunion with her in Heaven one day.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Sassmann’s Chapel in Belle. Interment will follow at College Hill Cemetery near Belle.