Marjorie Nell Smith

Marjorie Nell (Fincher) Smith, affectionately known as Nell, was a beacon of unwavering love and joy, whose radiant spirit was a gift to all who knew her. Born on June 29, 1932, in Waldo, Arkansas, Nell's journey through life was marked by an abundance of love, dedication, and the simple pleasures that knit the fabric of a life well-lived. On February 8, 2026, in Hot Springs, Arkansas, Nell's earthly chapter came to a gentle close after a life richly filled with 93 years of cherished moments.

Nell's heart was a boundless source of love, particularly for her beloved husband, Ben Smith, with whom she shared an extraordinary partnership of 74 years. Their love story was one for the ages, a testament to commitment and the beauty of growing together through life's seasons. She was the second daughter of James Neill Fincher and Lillie Rivers (Booth) Fincher of Waldo. Though she was preceded in death by her cherished sons, Benjamin, Jr., and Mark Douglas, her legacy continues through her son Gregory Paul Smith and his wife Mechelle of Kirby, Arkansas, and her son Dr. Christopher Todd Smith of Aubrey, Texas. Nell's joy was multiplied in the laughter and wonder of her two grandchildren Sarah and Glynn, and the vibrant and active lives of her five great-grandchildren, Mason, Morgan, Mountain, Meadow, and Bear.

An alumna of Southern State College, now known as Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia, Arkansas, Nell's lifelong pursuit of knowledge and service was evident in her varied roles as a public school secretary, teaching assistant, and library assistant. Nell's faith was guided by her membership at Central Baptist Church in Magnolia, Arkansas, which instilled in her a deep sense of purpose and grace that she shared generously with everyone she encountered.

Nell's interests painted the picture of a woman who found immense joy in the simple acts of living. Her kitchen was a haven of warmth where she crafted delicious meals, turning ordinary ingredients into feasts that nourished both body and soul. She was a master at spoiling her beloved children and grandchildren with love that knew no bounds and the kind of attention that made them feel like the most important people in her world. Nell was also an avid reader and crossword solver, a hobby that reflected her love for words and the joy she found in the quiet moments of reflection.

Nell's life was an inspiration, a reminder to embrace each day with vigor and love. Her story encourages us to find beauty in the everyday, to cherish our loved ones, and to live with the courage to be kind, compassionate, and endlessly curious.

Nell's legacy is not merely in the roles she played but in the lives she touched, the smiles she prompted, and the love she gave freely. As we honor her memory, let us carry forward the light that she so effortlessly shone upon us, and let the essence of her spirit continue to guide us in the paths of kindness, understanding, and love. Nell's life was a melody of love and grace that will resonate for eternity.

A private memorial graveside service will be held in the Waldo Cemetery in Waldo, AR at a later date. Cremation services provided by Lewis Funeral Home, Inc. in Magnolia, AR.